At a recent SPRINT support group meeting I attended (see Current Events) the discussion centered around how to keep someone with dementia busy in a meaningful activity, especially during the evening; activity can lessen frustration and depression and add a feeling of accomplishment. We viewed a number of videos created by the Alzheimer's Society (available in their local library) and concluded that a children's toy store would have materials and games that people with dementia could handle. Here are some questions to ask yourself when considering the available activities:
- What is the person capable of...can they do it alone or do they need
help..will it take a short or long time
- What has the person done before..doing something a person is familiar
with is easier
- Will the activity address a need or make the person feel successful..
Activity list
Ideas for exercise/relaxing:
- Sorting/tidying/folding laundry
- Watering plants
- Dancing or stationary exercise program
- Massage
Household activities
- Sanding
- Knitting
- Preparing certain foods e.g. salad; peeling/cutting vegetables; baking/mixing
- Dusting, vacuuming, polishing
- Drying dishes
Psycho/social activities
- Listening to/singing familiar songs
- Reminiscing/looking at a photo album
- Visiting with children/pets
- Volunteer work e.g. stuffing envelopes
- Having afternoon tea
- Doing a puzzle (look for large format)
- Building something with Lego