Activities for Older Adults with Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Society defines dementia as a group of symptoms that can cause problems with memory, language, behaviour and problem-solving skills.

Dementia is caused by different diseases that damage the brain. It’s a progressive condition that worsens over time (even if early symptoms are mild).

The importance of activities for older adults with dementia

It can be challenging to think of suitable activities for someone with dementia. However, finding the right ones can be beneficial in many ways. Engaging your loved one with appropriate activities can have positive effects on the following:

emotional well-being and mood
concentration and focus
cognitive function and memory
social and communication skills

Tips for choosing the right activity

Not every type of activity will be suitable for your loved one. You’ll need to choose something that matches their ability level. It’s also important to remember that your loved one’s mood, focus and ability to engage may fluctuate.

Having some ideas for activities your loved one may enjoy can help you navigate challenges and encourage them to engage.

Research whether there are specific dementia-friendly groups, clubs, or organisations within your community. These can be a great source of support for both you and your loved one.

Social activities

Staying socially active is crucial for an individual’s wellbeing. It can also boost your loved one’s confidence and prevent feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Social activities could be as simple as visiting friends and family. You could also look for activities that incorporate a hobby, such as a book group, games club or choir group.

Memory cafes

Memory cafes, also known as dementia cafes, are dedicated spaces for individuals with dementia and their carers. They allow people to chat with an experienced professional who understands dementia and meet others affected by dementia, including families and carers.

Dementia cafes can be a great source of advice, support and information for those caring for a loved one with dementia. They’re located nationwide and are typically run voluntarily by community groups and charities. You can find more information about your local support services via the Alzheimer’s Society or the Memory Café Directory.

Physical activities

Physical activity is another important factor in maintaining the health and wellbeing of people with dementia. As with any other activity, it must be tailored to the individual’s abilities and needs.

Here are some ideas for physical activities you and your loved one can enjoy.

Going for a walk

This could be as simple as walking to the local shop, enjoying a stroll around a local park or getting out in nature and enjoying the fresh air in woodland or on a local nature trail. Choosing a route or scenery that is familiar to your loved one may help reduce feelings of confusion or anxiety.

Swimming

Swimming is a low-impact exercise, which makes it suitable for older adults. Check with your local pool to see if they have specific slots or sessions for people with dementia. If nothing specific is available, you could enquire when the pool is less busy, so your swim time won’t be too noisy and overwhelming for your loved one.

Exercise classes

Encouraging your loved one to join an exercise class can be an excellent way to help them stay physically active. Group classes can also have social benefits. Depending on what your loved one enjoys, they could try yoga, tai chi, dancing, water aerobics, etc.

If your loved one’s condition is more severe, researching whether there are specific dementia-friendly classes available in your area is a good idea. If dedicated classes aren’t available, smaller groups may still be appropriate. Choosing a regular class and instructor may be helpful for familiarity and routine.

Gardening

Gardening is an excellent activity for an older adult’s physical and mental health. There are all sorts of gardening tasks that a loved one can get involved with, even if their mobility is an issue.

Adding plants to a pot or container can be a more accessible way to enjoy gardening. Try growing vegetables together in a raised bed or trough. Starting from seed is an option, but buying vegetable plants ready to go into the ground is an excellent alternative if seed sowing isn’t suitable.

Plastic tools tend to be lighter than metal ones, so these can be a good alternative for someone with limited strength and mobility. Smaller watering cans or even plastic drink bottles with holes in the caps can make watering tasks easier.

Sensory gardens

Even if gardening tasks aren’t accessible for your loved one, a garden can still be a place that offers many benefits to someone with dementia.

Sensory gardens aim to stimulate the senses of sight, smell, sound, touch and even taste through their design and use of plants. Familiar sights, scents and textures can benefit an individual’s wellbeing and potentially help evoke memories of their own gardens or previous experiences.

Chair-based exercises

If mobility is an issue for your loved one, chair-based exercises can be a suitable way to help them achieve some physical activity. The Alzheimer’s Society has a handy guide to seated exercises; you can find it here.

Animal therapy

According to Dementia UK, spending time with animals can benefit people with dementia. It can help reduce anxiety, provide a mood boost and even encourage engagement and communication for dementia patients.

Animal therapy could involve taking the family dog for a stroll, feeding the ducks and birds at a park, visiting a pet café, or engaging with a local organisation that offers (for example) sessions with a therapy dog.

Creative activities

The possibilities regarding creative tasks that your loved one can engage with are virtually limitless. Arts and crafts activities can also be very therapeutic.

Here are some ideas for activities to try:

mindful colouring books
jigsaw puzzles
decorating premade items (such as keepsake boxes, birdhouses or wooden letters)
creating pictures with stamps and inkpads
getting creative with airdry clay
creating collages using kits or precut pictures
creating decorations or mosaics with items like buttons, beads, pasta or beans
putting together a memory box with pictures, items and keepsakes
creating a scrapbook of memories, including photographs and written stories (if appropriate).

Dementia is a difficult condition to live with, and caring for someone who has it can be challenging, too. At Comfort Care At Home, we understand the strain this can put on friends and family. We offer at-home dementia care services to help your loved one remain as independent as possible in the familiar environment of their home.