101 Fun Things To Do With Dementia Patients (Tested and Approved!)

Taking care of dementia patients can be a journey filled with overwhelming as well as meaningful experiences. If your loved one has dementia, it is crucial to engage them in certain activities that provide comfort and relaxation, to improve their quality of life.

Patients with dementia may find it hard to communicate verbally. However, these activities may facilitate non-verbal communication and patients may also get more opportunities to form powerful connections with their loved ones. This article aims to explore 101 activities you can enjoy with a dementia patient and how such activities impact the lives of patients with dementia.

101 Things You Can Do with Dementia Patients

1. Listen to Familiar or Favorite Music

Listening to familiar music can help in recalling events, strengthen emotional connections, and stimulate the brain. It can also aid dementia patients in social interactions with their caregivers or loved ones, reducing aggression or anxiety.

2. Create a Memory Book Together

Creating a memory book together involves pictures, stories, and moments from the patient’s life. These books can serve as a way to trigger memories and form a connection.

3. Bake some Recipes or Decorate a Cake

Engaging in baking or decorating a cake can lead to a sense of achievement or joy in dementia patients. Ultimately, leading to happiness and positive feelings.

4. Work on Simple or Jigsaw Puzzles

Puzzles can maintain and improve the cognitive health of a person. This activity is a calming and enjoyable way to enhance brain functioning while also fostering a sense of accomplishment.

5. Plant a Small Indoor Garden

Planting a small indoor garden with dementia patients offers a therapeutic environment for them. Witnessing the plant grow and taking care of the plant can induce a sense of achievement in dementia patients.

6. Sort or Organize Household Items

Sorting household items can develop organizational skills and can help in providing a structural routine. Sorting items may also help in triggering memories associated with those particular objects in patients with dementia.

7. Explore Digital Photo Albums

Exploring digital albums can allow dementia patients to connect with the moment captured in those photographs. They may feel familiar with the faces, places, and events in the pictures.

8. Watch Family Videos Together

Watching family videos together can trigger memories and the patient may sense a connection with his or her past memories despite their cognitive challenges.

9. Play Card Games

Playing card games can enhance cognitive functioning. It offers amusement while also enhancing strategic thinking in patients.

10. Play with Watercolors or Finger Paint

Playing with watercolors or finger painting can help with enhancing the creativity of the patients. It can also provide joy and relaxation.

11. Arrange and Assemble Simple Crafts

Arranging and assembling simple crafts enhances creativity and also provides a sense of organization and achievement.

12. Sort laundry or Fold Towels Together

Sorting laundry or folding towels together promotes familiarity and routine in dementia patients.

13. Have a Tea Party with Favorite Snacks

Having a tea party can create a soothing and relaxing environment for patients with dementia. It may also help in social interaction, ultimately strengthening the emotional bond with their loved ones.

14. Enjoy Nature Together

Enjoying nature together offers a soothing and relaxing feeling for dementia patients. Taking a moment to appreciate nature helps in promoting the mental well-being of a person.

15. Make Jewellery

Making jewelry is a creative way to enhance the motor skills and creativity of a dementia patient.

16. Engage in Gentle Exercises

Gentle exercises provide patients with a way to enhance their physical well-being, also promoting their flexibility and coordination. Such productive activities can help contribute to overall health.

17. Do DIY Crafts Together

Engaging in creating DIY crafts is a fun activity that also requires interaction with other people. Carrying out such an activity can enhance social connections and also provide patients with a sense of accomplishment.

18. Write Letters Together

This activity can help improve communication skills and in fostering bonds with others.

19. Read Aloud from Familiar Books

Reading aloud can help in evoking memories and in creating a comforting atmosphere for dementia patients.

20. Sing Along to Favorite Songs or Tunes

Singing along to favorite songs or tunes can provide amusement as well as trigger emotions.

21. Complete Adult Colouring Books or Pages

Coloring books can provide a sense of relaxation and creativity in patients with cognitive impairment.

22. Learn new Hairstyles

Learning new hairstyles can be a way for dementia patients to be more involved in self-care, promoting creativity and relaxation.

23. Visit a Zoo

Visiting a zoo can be an enjoyable outing for dementia patients. They may get a chance to explore nature and animals around them, promoting cognitive functioning and social interaction.

24. Play Simple Musical Instruments

Playing musical instruments can be a fun activity that promotes creativity and a sense of amusement in dementia patients.

25. Build with Large Easy-to-Handle Blocks

Building with large and easy-to-handle blocks can help dementia patients in promoting coordination and creativity, ultimately enhancing their cognitive functioning and sense of artistry.

26. Watch Nature Documentaries or Animal Shows

Nature documentaries and animal shows can intrigue dementia patients and spark their curiosity.

27. Sort and Match Socks

This activity can help in maintaining organizational skills and a sense of order even in those who suffer from a decline in their cognitive health.

28. Engage in Storytelling

Engaging in storytelling activities creates a sense of connection and can evoke memories in patients with dementia.

29. Change up your decor

Changing up their decor can make patients with dementia more interested in their surroundings and can help in social interactions.

30. Make Homemade Dough and Play Together

Making homemade dough and playing together can help in building a strong connection with your loved ones. It can also promote creativity and enhance sensory exploration.

31. Create Paper Crafts or Fold Origami

Creating paper crafts or folding origami is a relaxing and creative way that promotes focus and cognitive functioning in patients with dementia.

32. Make easy, no-bake Desserts

Making no-bake desserts can provide a delightful sensory experience without any complex preparation. Also, it promotes creativity and a sense of achievement.

33. Play with Sensory Balls or Textured Objects

Playing with sensory balls or textured objects helps in tactile stimulation, promoting better functioning of the senses.

34. Create a Soft Fabric Sensory Board

This activity assists in tactile exploration and provides a sense of comfort and relaxation for individuals with dementia.

35. Paint and Decorate Kindness Rocks

Painting and decorating kindness rocks fosters creativity and enhances self-expression.

36. Do Yoga Together

Practicing yoga together promotes a feeling of relaxation and creates a soothing effect in patients with dementia.

37. Make some Wall Art

It’s a creative activity that encourages expression and makes their surroundings more relaxing and soothing, decorated according to their interests.

38. Practice Nail Art Together

Practicing nail art together is a creative and fun activity that promotes personal grooming and self-expression in patients with dementia.

39. Sort Coins or Do with Coin-Based Activity

Sorting coins can help in mental stimulation and enhance cognitive functioning in patients with dementia.

40. Have a Picnic

Having a picnic is a delightful feeling that can be a way for dementia patients to escape their negative feelings and enjoy nature in a relaxed setting.

41. Use Foam Blocks or Modeling Clay for Sculpture

Modeling clay or using foam blocks for sculpture promotes tactile exploration and mental stimulation in dementia patients.

42. Do handprint Art

Handprint art is a sentimental and creative activity that helps promote a connection between you and your loved ones with dementia.

43. Listen to Relaxation Music or Nature Sounds

Listening to relaxing music creates a peaceful surrounding which leads to positive emotions and enhanced well-being.

44. Arrange and Stack Nesting Cups and Boxes

Arranging and stacking nesting cups encourages awareness regarding one’s surroundings and enhances problem-solving skills.

45. Explore Virtual Reality Experiences

Virtual reality can offer an adventurous experience that can promote a sense of exploration or comfort in familiar surroundings in patients with dementia.

46. Make Greeting Cards For a Friend

Making greeting cards is a thoughtful and creative activity to carry out. It expresses one’s love and compassion for their friends and family.

47. Read Books Together

Reading books together is a wonderful way to foster connection and communication skills in dementia patients.

48. Try Adaptive Gardening with Potted Plants

Adaptive gardening with potted plants allows for a manageable gardening experience and enhances a sense of accomplishment and creativity.

49. Make and Play with Homemade Clay

Creating and playing with homemade clay is a creative activity that stimulates the brain and promotes innovative ideas.

50. Create a Sensory Bottle or Glitter Jar

Creating a sensory bottle or glitter jar offers a visually stimulating experience, providing calmness and relaxation.

51. Practice Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep breaths can be a way to reduce stress and promote calmness and mental well-being in dementia patients.

52. Complete or Play with Dot-to-Dot Puzzles

Playing with dot-to-dot puzzles can be a mentally stimulating activity that promotes concentration and cognitive abilities

53. Engage in Self Care Activities

Engaging in self-care activities promotes personal hygiene, grooming, and a sense of independence in dementia patients.

54. Use Watercolor markers for easy painting

Using watercolor markers is a mess-free activity that also promotes creativity and self-expression.

55. Play with Kinetic Sand

Playing with kinetic sand provides a sensory-rich experience promoting relaxation and fine motor skills development.

56. Watch and Interact with Interactive Light Displays

Watching and interacting with light displays is a captivating experience that promotes a sense of amusement and joy in patients with dementia.

57. Engage in Bubble Play

Engaging in bubble play is a fun activity that encourages hand-eye coordination and creates a joyful experience in patients with dementia.

58. Play with Soft and Squishy Sensory Toys

Soft and squishy sensory toys provide a relaxing experience for patients with dementia.

59. Use Rubber Stamps for Easy Art Activities

Using rubber stamps for easy art activities offers a sense of creativity and promotes artistry in dementia patients.

60. Engage in Simple Threading or Lacing activities

Simple threading or lacing can promote hand-eye coordination offering an improvement in focusing in dementia patients.

61. Play with Water-Beads or Gel FIlled Toys

Playing with water beads or gel-filled toys can provide a sensory experience that is soothing or enjoyable for the patients.

62. Having a Relaxing Spa Day with Gentle Pampering

A spa day is what all dementia patients need. It can be a relaxing and soothing experience for your loved ones.

63. Play with Homemade Slime

Playing with homemade slime can offer a sense of creativity and provide the patients with a relaxing feeling.

64. Enjoy Making and Playing with Stress Balls

Making or playing with stress balls can provide patients with a sense of artistry, also assisting them in a calming or stress-reducing experience.

65. Clean Your Junk Drawer

Cleaning a junk drawer may offer dementia patients a sense of accomplishment and enhance their organizational skills.

66. Make Lemonade Together

Making lemonade together is a refreshing feeling that helps dementia patients promote social interaction and forming bonds with the people in their surroundings.

67. Invite Children to Visit

Many dementia patients may find it amusing when their children or grandchildren visit them. It is essential to arrange their visits and provide patients with a joyful and lively environment.

68. Have a Picnic

A picnic, either indoor or outdoor, can be a refreshing feeling for dementia patients. A relaxed setting and enjoyable favorite foods are sometimes all we need.

69. Play Indoor Games

Playing indoor games can be a fun and interactive way for dementia patients to stimulate their mental functioning.

70. Try Simple Shadow Puppetry or Storytelling

Trying simple shadow puppetry or storytelling fosters creativity and imagination, offering dementia patients stimulation in their cognitive functioning.

71. Engage in Light Foam Swordplay or Other Games

Engaging in such an activity provides physical well-being and excitement in dementia patients.

72. Watch a Movie Together

Watching movies together offers entertainment and relaxation for dementia patients in a peaceful setting.

73. Create Personalized Name Art

Creating personalized name art is a creative way that allows dementia patients for artistry and self-exploration.

74. Have a Pajama Day

Having a pajama day offers a relaxing and soothing feeling for dementia patients promoting a sense of comfort and ease.

75. Go for a Long Drive

Going for a long drive can provide a change of surroundings for dementia patients, offering new sights and environment.

76. Use Magnetic Drawing Boards or Sketch Pads

Such an activity offers a simple yet enjoyable experience for dementia patients. It also enhances creativity and innovation.

77. Put Fresh Flowers in a Vase

Putting fresh flowers in a vase brings beauty and a sense of nature indoors. It can provide patients with a comfortable and pleasant environment.

78. Do Household Chores Together

Doing household chores together fosters teamwork and social interaction in dementia patients.

79. Enjoy Scented and Soothing Hand Baths

Enjoying scented and soothing hand baths promotes self-care habits, along with enjoying a relaxing environment.

80. Enjoy Morning Walks

Enjoying morning walks together enhances one’s mental well-being by starting the day with a refreshing and calming experience.

81. Feed Ducks in a Park

Feeding ducks in a park is an enjoyable activity that offers a sense of connection with the wildlife and provides patients with an opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate nature.

82. Sort and Match Texture Ribbon

This activity can help in engaging the tactile sense, also offering a calming and focused task.

83. Read Books About Nature

Reading books about nature provides an educational experience, offering insides into wildlife and sparking the patient’s interest in nature.

84. Relax with Soft Blankets

Relaxing with soft blankets offers comfort and a cozy atmosphere, promoting a relaxed setting.

85. Make Sandwiches Together

Making sandwiches together is a simple yet amusing task that promotes teamwork and interaction with patients.

86. Decorate Simple Crafts like Picture Frames

Decorating simple crafts like picture frames allows self-exploration and creativity in dementia patients.

87. Engage in Gentle Balloon Exercises

Engaging in gentle balloon exercises promotes coordination, movement, and flexibility in patients with dementia.

88. Create DIY Bins

Creating DIY bins helps patients with dementia with organizational skills and a creative solution for storage needs.

89. Clean Your Makeup Brushes Together

Cleaning makeup brushes together helps in personal hygiene and self-care activities, consequently leading to a sense of accomplishment.

90. Enjoy Knitting a Sweater

Patients with dementia may enjoy knitting a sweater as it is a calming activity that promotes tactile exploration and relaxation.

91. Play with Stress Relief Putty

Playing with stress-relief putty offers a calming and stress-relieving experience for dementia patients.

92. Engage in Brainstorming Riddles

Engaging in brainstorming riddles is a stimulating mental exercise that encourages problem-solving skills and enhances cognitive functioning in patients with dementia.

93. Listen to Podcasts that Pique their Interest

Listening to podcasts that pique their interest offers patients entertainment and keeps them occupied.

94. Go to Boating with them

Going boating with them offers a refreshing and relaxing outing for patients providing a change in scenery and environment.

95. Clean out Your Closet

Cleaning out your closet is a productive activity that promotes hygiene and creativity in patients with dementia.

96. Cooking together

Cooking together is an interactive and enjoyable activity that promotes teamwork and interaction with patients.

97. Watch Comedy Series

Watching a comedy series together offers laughter and entertainment promoting positive feelings and emotional well-being in patients.

98. Go Shopping or Try New Outfits

Going shopping provides a sense of adventure, fostering a fun and interactive outing for patients with dementia.

99. Call a Close Friend of Theirs

Calling a close friend of theirs can help trigger memories and emotions, encouraging patients to engage in a meaningful conversation.

100. Make a Scrapbook

Making a scrapbook is a creative activity that helps patients put their favorite memories together, offering a sense of artistry and accomplishment.

101. Tie Dye an Outfit

Tie-dyeing is a creative activity that helps patients in developing self-exploration and a sense of accomplishment.

Also, Read: Why Do Dementia Patients Stare At You? [Behaviour Explained]

How can Meaningful Activities Impact the Lives of Dementia Patients?

It is essential to help your loved ones engage in meaningful activities to help them provide a positive and pleasant quality of life. Patients with dementia may benefit from these activities in the following ways.

Emotional Well Being

Patients may experience an uplift in their moods, ultimately reducing feelings of anxiety or depression. These activities can significantly contribute to an emotional well-being state in a dementia patient.

Cognitive Stimulation

Meaningful activities help in cognitive functions, effectively improving a patient’s ability to perform certain tasks and benefit from them.

Sense of Purpose

Engaging in familiar activities can provide patients with a sense of purpose or accomplishment, boosting self-esteem or confidence.

Improved Social Interaction

Such meaningful activities can also assist in fostering social interactions in dementia patients. Patients may feel compelled to communicate with their loved ones or their caregivers.

Increase Quality of Life

Enhancing their mood, and cognitive abilities and providing them with a sense of purpose, may contribute to increasing the quality of life of dementia patients.

Conclusion

Taking part in activities that amuse your loved ones with dementia is significant to promote their mental health. Such meaningful and thoughtful activities may assist in elevating their quality of life. These activities are not just for fun, but they also aid in providing patients with a sense of purpose and joy. It is vital to remember that they may not be able to express their feelings effectively but by paying attention to the non-verbal cues and helping accordingly, the quality of life of these patients can be significantly improved.

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