Dementia Awareness Week: Dementia Activities to do with your loved one

It’s Dementia Week and the perfect time to spread awareness about this life-changing affliction whilst showing support for anyone affected. So if you’re currently caring for someone with dementia during lockdown, it’s the perfect time to let them know you are still here for them.

There are plenty of dementia activities that are both fun and engaging for everyone involved, as well as being easy and not overly complicated. Whether you’re knitting, making puzzles or even listening to music, you and your loved one will cherish the hours spent together.

Dementia Activities

It’s important to keep the mind active, so we’ve compiled this list of you can do with a loved one. There’s something for everyone, like creative dementia activities at home as well as physical fun outdoors.

Get chatting

One of the best dementia activities for the elderly is having a friendly chat! It’s that simple. Climb on the sofa, make a cup of tea and get chatting. You can talk about how they are feeling or encourage them to share some of their favourite life experiences.

Reminisce!

Another great way to get the mind working for someone with dementia is by encouraging them to reminisce about some of the happiest moments of their life. They relive cherished moments by sharing their life experiences. This can be as simple as asking about their life or you can get out photo albums and videos to talk about. Seeing the smile on their face whilst they reflect on some of the happiest moments in their life is a priceless moment.

Knitting for dementia

Knitting is always a fun way to spend time. Whether they’re experienced or it’s their first time knitting, it gets the motor skills going whilst creating something beautiful. You could even work together to create ‘twiddle muffs’, knitted hand warmers which act as sensory stimulation for someone with dementia.

Dementia puzzles

Another great way to keep the mind active is with a dementia puzzle! Go for smaller puzzles with fewer pieces to ensure it’s easy enough to complete. Puzzles offer great cognitive stimulation and are known to alleviate some of the symptoms whilst offering amazing therapeutic benefits.

Add a personalised twist by creating your very own puzzle to complete. Print out a family photo, get it laminated (if you can’t laminate, it works fine without) and then cut it out into puzzle shapes. Then work with your loved one to put it back together. The result is guaranteed to bring a smile to their face.

Music sessions

Music is known to get the grey matter firing, helping to unlock memories and reaching damaged parts of the brain. Put on your elderly loved one’s favourite songs for a truly enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. Watch as their face lights up and join them in a sing-along.

Enjoy a relaxing walk

Getting physically active is known to improve wellbeing, making it an ideal activity for you and your loved one. Now that exercise restrictions have been lifted, a gentle walk amongst nature with fresh air and greenery will make a truly enjoyable experience.

Finding a nearby bench or seat in an outdoor space is equally as refreshing, perfect for those with reduced mobility. Even hanging out in the garden is enjoyable!

Go digital

Never has there been a better time to go digital! There are loads of great games, puzzles and apps designed to help people with dementia. 

Some apps are designed to help people communicate, whilst others are made to get the mind active. There’s something for everyone so have a look on your tablet or smartphone and get downloading.

Make the most of Dementia Awareness Week 2020!

If you know anyone suffering from dementia, a few hours out of your time will make their day. Especially if you’re both taking part in some of these great activities! Don’t forget to spread the word for Dementia Awareness Week 2020, from Friday 15th to Thursday 21st May.

If you have a loved one with dementia, we can help. Give us a ring today on 0330 094 5511 for a friendly chat or fill out a contact form to discuss our dementia care services, and we’ll be in touch.