Activities that stimulate people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of Dementia can never truly be placed in categories like: ‘The top 10 Activities.’ This is because no person living with Alzheimer’s, or other forms of Dementia, is the same. Each individual has his/her own background of likes and dislikes, hobbies, enjoyed activities, etc. What matters is that the person or Care Home, that is caring for the individual, explores the individual’s history in order to build a library of possible activities he/she may still enjoy. The Jura Care Team has created this article with the intention of inspiring the reader to fully understand the importance of stimulating these people, whom we so dearly love and care about.

Activities Bring Pleasure to People With Alzheimer’s & Other Forms of Dementia

Keeping people active in hobbies and interests that gave them pleasure in the past is important. Those activities help:

  • Stir memories and allow the individual to relive and rekindle those memories
  • Foster emotional connections with others, ex. trust
  • Encourage self-expression and a sense of purpose
  • Lessen the anxiety and irritability that Alzheimer’s may bring
  • Make people with Alzheimer’s feel more engaged with life

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It is important to create meaningful activities, not just ones that fill time. Find out what interests they had in the past, knowing that some activities may need to be modified for safety or practicality. Keep in mind that Alzheimer’s affects behavior and senses in addition to memory. So, activities that a person once enjoyed may become overwhelming, challenging or even frustrating now. Remember that activities don’t have to be complicated… A simple, affectionate backrub or gentle arm and leg massage can be very enjoyable and stimulating. Engaging the individual in easy arm and leg exercises and/or stretches is another great way to get the blood flowing and stimulate cognitive activity.

Suggested Activities for Seniors With Alzheimer’s & Other Forms of Dementia

Here are 10 activities to try with your loved one. Certain activities may work better at different times of day. Understand that the person’s level of interest or involvement may decline as Alzheimer’s progresses.

  1. Sing songs or play music (from nursery rhymes to religious songs, explore the power of music)
  2. Do arts and crafts, such as painting, collage making, knitting, etc. Keep tools and patterns simple
  3. Organize household or office items, particularly if the person used to take pleasure in organizational tasks
  4. Clean around the house. Sweep the patio, wipe the table, fold towels or try other everyday household tasks that help the person feel a sense of accomplishment
  5. Tend the garden or visit a botanical garden
  6. Read the newspaper or magazines together
  7. Look at books the person used to enjoy and read to him/her
  8. Cook or bake simple recipes together
  9. Work on puzzles
  10. Watch family videos

Here are four Jura Care Village blogs, each describing a unique activity with one of our residents:

We would love to hear from you! What activities have you tried? What were the results? Please share!

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Take a Supportive, Flexible Approach

The key word to remember is: Flexibility! If the individual resists an activity, take a break. You can try again later, or ask your loved one how the activity can be changed to make it more enjoyable for them. If the individual is not capable of partaking in an activity, see how you can adjust the activity to make it possible and easier.

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Remember to concentrate on the process of an activity and not the results. It does not matter if you never get the puzzle put together, it doesn’t matter if the plant was planted the wrong way around with roots dangling in the air. What matters is that your loved one enjoyed the time spent on it and felt useful.

What activities does your loved one with Alzheimer’s enjoy? Please share your insights below.