To stimulate engagement and maintain cognitive function for individuals with dementia, here are some activities like reminiscing through photos and music, arts and crafts, puzzles, and gentle exercise, while also prioritizing social interaction and sensory experiences with the person.

Below are some activities that can be helpful.

Cognitive Stimulation for Seniors With Dementia

Reminiscence:

Look through old photos and memorabilia: Doing this can help trigger memories and evoke positive emotions.

Listen to music: Play music from their past, as it can often evoke strong memories and emotions and engage them in a positive way.

Discuss past events and experiences: Encourage them to share stories and reminisce about different times/ milestones in their life.

Games and Puzzles:

Play board games: Choose games that are simple and non-competitive, like checkers or dominoes. Each person is unique in preferences and abilities (cognitive, visual, hearing etc…)

Do puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or word searches can provide mental stimulation. (Based on cognition, eyesight etc…)

Reading and Storytelling:

Read aloud: Read books or newspapers aloud, or have them read to you.

Share stories: Tell stories about their lives or about things they are interested in such as pets, travel and more.

Learning and Hobbies:

Encourage them to learn new things: Suggest learning a hobby or skill, such as knitting, painting, or playing an instrument.

Attend classes or workshops: Find classes or workshops that are appropriate for their interests and abilities.

Physical Activity and Sensory Stimulation for Seniors With Dementia

Exercise:

Go for walks: Even short walks can be beneficial for physical and mental health. Fresh air and a change of scene is important!

Participate in gentle exercise classes: Consider tai chi, yoga, or swimming. Chair exercises and YouTube videos can be helpful.

Sensory Experiences:

Listen to music: Music can be calming and stimulating.

Engage in arts and crafts: Painting, drawing, or working with clay can be therapeutic.

Use different textures: Provide opportunities to touch different textures, such as soft fabrics, rough sandpaper, or smooth stones.

Smell different scents: Use essential oils or fresh flowers to stimulate the sense of smell.

Engage in tactile activities: Consider activities like cooking, gardening, or playing with play-dough.

Social Interaction:

Visit with friends and family: Encourage them to spend time with loved ones.

Join a group activity: Consider joining a memory care group or other activity group for people with dementia.

Engage with animals: Pets can provide companionship and emotional support.

Tips for Successfully Engaging Seniors With Dementia

Make it enjoyable: Choose activities that the person with dementia enjoys and finds meaningful.
Be patient and understanding: They may take longer to complete tasks or have difficulty remembering things.
Focus on strengths: Encourage them to participate in activities they are still able to do well.
Keep it simple: Avoid overwhelming them with too many activities or instructions.
Make it a routine: Try to incorporate activities into their daily routine to help them feel more secure and engaged.

Outdoor Activities:

Take a walk
Plant flowers
Water plants
Feed the birds
Rake leaves
Go to the park
Sit on a bench or a swing
Watch dogs at a dog park
Play catch or toss a ball
Play cornhole
Visit a beach or forest preserve
Sweep the porch or patio
Set up a picnic on the lawn or in the backyard
Sit on the porch and drink coffee, hot chocolate or lemonade

Indoor Activities

Listen to the person’s favorite music
Sing karaoke
Look at family photo albums
Make a family tree poster
Take photos of the person and make a collage
Encourage the person to talk more about subjects they enjoy
Ask the person about their childhood, siblings, school, pets or first car
Watch a favorite sport on television
Model with play dough
Make paper cranes
Play checkers or dominos
Play a card game
Play Mahjong
Name the presidents
Look at photos in a photography book or magazine
Identify states on a U.S. map
Complete a puzzle together
Read from one of their favorite books
Watch a favorite movie, sitcom or telenovela
Read the newspaper together or read it to them
Prepare afternoon tea
Bake cookies or bread
Set the table
Make the person’s favorite lunch or snack
Wash and dry dishes
Put silverware away
Fold clothes or towels
Give the person a hand massage with lotion
Brush his or her hair
Give the person a manicure

Family & Holiday Traditions

Listen to favorite holiday music
Make a traditional family recipe
Bake holiday desserts
Create holiday greeting cards
Watch a favorite holiday movie
Play a piano or guitar and sing holiday songs
Decorate for a holiday your family celebrates
Make handmade gifts
Watch home videos of past family birthdays, weddings, holidays and other special occasions

As always, at Just Like Family Home Care, we are here to help. We are experts in dementia care. Please reach out for support.