I've got nothing against bingo; it has its place, and for some people with dementia, it's a great activity. But there are many other possibilities for engaging activities that sometimes get overlooked, whether you're caring for a loved one at home or a person in a facility.
One of the most important steps of choosing activities for those with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia is finding out what is meaningful for that person. If the person is your loved one, you likely already know the answer because you know what they did earlier in life- their hobbies, jobs, roles, and interests. If it's someone in a facility that you're caring for, spend a few minutes to learn this information about her; it will be well worth it, both for you and her.
Once you've identified the person's interests, offer activities that relate to those. It's important to note that activities don't always have to be structured, group events. They can also be individual, regular life tasks such as setting a table or folding clothes. The object is not necessarily to accomplish that task, though it's fine if that happens. The goal, instead, is to offer the person something to do that is familiar or of interest to her- something that is meaningful for her.
I've chosen thirteen groups of people (though there are many more) with specific interests in the article below, and identified some possible activities that might be engaging and meaningful for them.
Ideas for Meaningful Activities for People with Dementia
I'd love it if you can comment below on other activity ideas, or what you've found to be specifically helpful or engaging for your loved one. Your idea or experience might be exactly what may benefit someone else. Any suggestions?
Hi Esther,
My husband has Vascular dementia and possible early onset Alzheimer’s. His Neurologist couldnt emphasize enough how important it was that my husband do some sort of writing everyday. He said that reading and other exercises were important, but stated that writing exercises a part of the brain that other excercise don’t utilize. I am looking up articles on this. In the meantime I am looking for daily writing exercises that he would be interested in. Do you have any suggestions?
I know eveyone is different, but I hope this helps someone. Thank you for making this resource available.
Thank you for your insightful activity ideas. We have a community activity group for persons with dementia. Your ideas will be beneficial to our attendees.
Hi jeanbird,
Thanks for sharing the idea of writing- a great activity!
Here are a few thoughts…
Would your husband be able to write journal entries? For example, could he write two sentences each day about his day- what happened or how he feels? Or, could he write about his hobby? If he’s gifted in working with cars, maybe he could write about how to change the oil, or another aspect of cars. Do you have children? Maybe he could work on a few sentences a day of a letter to each one of them.
I think I’d start with something of interest to him, and keep it simple so it’s not too overwhelming.
Maybe other readers have ideas? If so, please share.
Thanks for the idea, jeanbird! Keep us posted as to what works well, if you can.
-Esther
Thanks, LuAnn!
If you come up with others that work well, feel free to share. Blessings to you in your work!
-Esther
. This is an article about an activity program I think your residents will
Enjoy!!
http://m.delcotimes.com/delcotimes/pm_110068/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=ucMhof75
Gloria
ScienceforSeniors.net
Sent from my iPhone
Jeanbird: I love the idea of having your husband write daily. Another suggestion might be to give him topics such as “a favorite vacation,” “Something I love about…” “One of my favorite foods;” “My favorite season.” There are lots and lots of favorites and if he only writes a couple of sentences about each, then he’ll soon have a book! Not only that, but if he writes about relatives, what a gift for those relatives to receive. If his dementia progresses to the point where he cannot write, maybe he can still dictate to you what he would want to say. Good luck to you Jean.
Our sun downers time is 3:30pm starts and just continues to rebound the whole building. Supper is 5pm, shift change is 4pm. Play music in MDR for residents and Lobby restful area usually play little house for residents. Helps a few but we have 3 residents that just can’t seem to find what will settle them, walking, assist with bingo chips, dishes, folding clothes, one on ones massage its really becoming overwhelming and don’t know what to do. Two of the 3 need assist for transfer so I can’t assist with walking or I’d try making beds but they are fall risk residents???? Help
Ideals please.