When a friend or loved one is diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers, it can be difficult to find dementia-friendly activities to enjoy together. However, there are plenty of activities for people with dementia that don’t take too much forward planning and can get your loved one involved in something that stimulates their mind. Whether you are the primary caregiver or you are looking for a shared activity to enjoy when visiting a loved one with dementia in a care home or out on a trip with them, we’ve pulled together some activities for those with dementia you’ll both love.
Activities for Dementia Patients Who Are Physically Able
If the person who you are planning the activity with is physically able, there are a wealth of activities you can still enjoy together. Swimming can be a great way to unwind for those with dementia and their carers, especially if they have enjoyed swimming as a hobby in the past. Many venues offer dementia-friendly swims, specially planned around creating a relaxing experience for those with Dementia, Alzheimers and other memory-related conditions. This can be especially valuable for those in the earlier stages of a dementia diagnosis.
If you are looking for other fun activities for seniors with dementia who are still physically active, why not try dancing? It doesn’t have to be at Strictly Come Dancing levels but some familiar music and light movement can be a great way to bring your loved one back out of their shell. Alternatively, going for a walk out in nature can have fantastic therapeutic benefits. This can even be adapted to fit those who are no longer active by wrapping up warm and taking a stroll with a wheelchair around one of their favourite spots.
Creative Activities for Those With Memory Loss
Creative activities can be a great way to connect with loved ones. Painting, including painting with blocks, is a popular activity in our care homes and is simple to arrange. Taking part in a creative activity can be a fun way to stimulate the minds of those with dementia with dementia art a simple and fun way to take part in an activity together. Card-making or scrapbooking with images from their life can also be a great activity to recall memories from past experiences.
Getting creative with music is also another fun activity for people with Dementia. Singalongs to favourite songs can be enjoyed as part of a group or individually with family and friends and can be a great way to get involved in a fun activity. Our homes regularly hold singalongs to involve residents who enjoy music.
Memory Cafes for People With Dementia
Memory cafes are a gathering space for those with dementia and their carers and can be a perfect space to enjoy a safe environment designed for those with Alzheimer's and Dementia. Alzheimer's UK has a database of local groups and support for those with conditions related to memory loss and their carers that can be enjoyed by people at any stage of the care system. Even if you do not attend a formal group for people with dementia, going out of the home is always a stimulating experience that can help those with dementia stay mentally and physically active. A simple pub lunch or garden centre visit is always a fun event.
Reminiscence Therapy for Dementia
Reminiscence therapy is something we frequently use within our care homes for those with memory loss due to Dementia or Alzheimers. You can find out all about what reminiscence therapy is in our blog here. Reminiscence therapy is a great way to get those with dementia to open up and gain confidence through talking about memories from when they were younger. This is done through multi-sensory prompts that could be as simple as a song or pictures or an old household object that could prompt memories from when they were younger. One great way to enjoy this activity is through creating a memory box full of items that could spark memories for a loved one such as mementoes from travels, pictures of happy events or other personal objects.
Further Guidance
Our activity coordinators always coming up with new ways to keep our residents active and healthy. Our care homes supply a wide range of activities both inside and outside of the care homes. If you are looking for activities suitable for people with dementia to join in with your loved one, simply talk to one of the team members at the care home where your loved one lives, they will be happy to suggest some activities suitable for their needs. If you would like to find out more about our care homes and how they cater for those with dementia, including respite care, contact our team now.
