Activities to Do With the Dementia Patient

Keeping the dementia patient entertained and mentally and emotionally stimulated may not be on your list of priorities. But it is very important that the dementia patient stays occupied doing things they enjoy, for at least part of the day. But what kinds of activities to do with a dementia patient?

These activities can include tasks that will actually help to make your jobs easier. A dementia patient can do the dusting, pair and fold socks and fold towels, tear lettuce for a salad, scoop cookie dough, play with young children, and many other simple tasks that must be done by someone.

It is also good to involve your loved one in the activities that they used to enjoy. Perhaps these may only be possible on a limited scale for safety’s sake, but participating in them can help the dementia patient to relax, to focus their attention, and to help them so that they don’t dwell on the other emotions that dementia can bring.

Learning a new skill can even possibly help the brain to build new neural connections and may slow the progression of dementia.

When possible participate in activities with the dementia patient or have another friend of family member participate. Notice we said participate, not help. Dementia patients are not children. They may need some instruction in how to use certain tools or materials, but let them do the projects on their own. Either work together to complete one project (planting a container garden, for example) or have each of you work on a separate project (painting your own pictures, for example.)

You will find much joy in actively involving your loved one in your life. Watching them just sit there, sad, confused, and disoriented will start to weigh on you. Helping them to be active and fulfill a passion or experience the pleasure of trying something new will lighten both of your spirits and make you feel energized.

Whatever activities you do with the dementia patient we hope you find them rewarding, relaxing, and refreshing. Participating in activities with a dementia patient can break up the long hours of hard work and make the dementia caregiver's job less stressful and more enjoyable.