Memory Care Activities for Aging Parents with Dementia

Are you trying to find ways to help a loved one with dementia stimulate their mind and find enjoyment in life? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We will discuss some of the memory care activities that will help do just that. 

Be Patient and Considerate 

Before we begin, there’s something very important we need to go over. As you may already know, caring for someone with dementia requires a great deal of patience and flexibility. If someone’s mind isn’t fully focused on the task at hand, it probably isn’t going to benefit them. Therefore, if you’re going to introduce someone to a memory care activity, be sure to do so when they don’t seem preoccupied with something else. Additionally, try to have the activity take place in an area that’s free of clutter and other potential distractions. Finally, remember that an activity they find fun one day may not be so fun to them another day, so be ready to move on to something else. Always stay focused on the needs of your loved one.

Types of Memory Care Activities

With all that said, Heathwood Assisted Living has plenty of memory care activities available for our residents. These activities can be grouped into four categories: sensory, creative, group, and cognitive. 

Sensory Activities

• Cooking - Cooking stimulates all five senses, and rewards everyone with something to eat at the end! Allow your loved one to do as much as they are able, especially if they’ve always enjoyed cooking. Even if they can’t do much, it may be beneficial and stimulating just to watch you in action! 
• Scrapbooking - Going through old photos can be a great way to help trigger wonderful memories in your loved one. Be a good listener, as looking at them can spark some great conversations.
• Pasta Threading - This is a fun activity that gives your loved one something tangible they can show off. Use colorful yarn and pasta with larger holes such as ziti, penne, and wheels. Go through the process with them step by step if need be. 
• Gardening - Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, most people have had at least some experience with gardening. A raised mobile garden is a great idea, as it allows your loved one to garden whether sitting or standing. Plus, it can be moved inside or outside easily. If there’s enough space, each person can have their own area of dirt in which to plant. 
• Fish Tanks - A large fish tank in a prominent area can lead to hours of fun! Your loved ones can help to clean the tank, as well as keep the fish fed. 
• Textures - As simple as it sounds, textures can not only help stimulate the senses, but also bring back memories. Some examples include silk, burlap, wool, and linen. 

Creative Activities

• Painting - This allows for individual expression and may improve memory. If you’re worried about a big mess, use butcher paper for easier cleanup. 
• Memory Boxes - These can include anything that has special meaning to your loved one, such as photos, mementos, and things related to hobbies. 

Group Activities

• Balloon Volleyball - This can also be done individually. Not only is it fun, but it can also help to build balance, strength, cardiac function, and reflexes. 
• Balloon Whack - This is the same as balloon volleyball, only pool noodles are used instead of your hands. 
• Karaoke - Who doesn’t enjoy singing along with their favorite songs? It not only brings back happy memories, but it can also help to improve memory!
• Dancing - Instead of just singing along to your favorite songs, why not sing and dance? Even if your loved one has no rhythm, it’s still a fun thing to do!
• Telling Jokes - Australian researchers conducted a study to see if humor could improve the lives of patients suffering from dementia. During the three-year study, 400 patients were studied, and they experienced a 20 percent reduction in anxiety and depression. 

Cognitive Activities

• Game Playing - Whether it’s a board game, card game, or any other type, just be sure to have many available in case of boredom and keep the abilities of your loved one in mind.
• Puzzles - These help stimulate the brain and allow for social interactions. In fact, one study showed that patients who regularly did crossword puzzles saw their onset of accelerated memory decline was delayed by almost two-and-a-half years. 

Contact Heathwood to Schedule a Tour

Heathwood Assisted Living has locations in Penfield, NY to serve those in the Rochester area, and in Williamsville, NY to serve those in the Buffalo area. Both locations have exceptional memory care programs for your loved ones with dementia-related illnesses. 

We have a friendly and supportive staff to help care for our patients, as well as a variety of stimulating activities to help improve cognitive functions and prevent depression. If you’d like to learn more about our facilities or our memory care programs, please contact us at your earliest convenience. We’d be more than happy to schedule a tour if you’d like!