Engaging activities help seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia
Everyone needs to feel engaged and entertained. Just because someone has Alzheimer’s or dementia doesn’t mean that need disappears.
Because of their cognitive decline, how seniors get that engagement may have to change.
Activities with no right or wrong are highly recommended because they’re fun, satisfying, and give a much-needed sense of accomplishment.
These type of activities can also be an effective alternative to using medications to reduce agitation, challenging behavior, and unhappy moods.
We share a dozen recommendations from a geriatric nurse practitioner who’s experienced in dementia care.
Ann Kositsky, a Geriatric Nurse Practitioner at ElderConsult Geriatric Medicine, showed dozens of activities for seniors with dementia. For years, she’s used them to reduce anxiety, distract from challenging behavior, and bring joy to people with cognitive impairments.
We share 10 of her recommendations here.
These are more than simple children’s toys
Don’t be misled or discouraged by the appearance of these activities. Some may have been made for children, but the way older adults experience them is completely different.
For example, a toy tool box might allow dad to safely recreate happy memories of the home repairs he made to keep the house in great shape. A Saturday Morning Post puzzle could take your spouse back to their childhood. The singing puppy gives warm hugs and its cheerful song brings a smile to anyone’s face and will likely have you spontaneously clapping and singing along.
Even though these activities have been stereotyped and marketed as children’s toys, don’t let that stop you from offering them to your older adult. If an activity engages them, brings joy, and reduces challenging behaviors, who cares what the label says?
10 engaging activities for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s
1. $8 Melissa and Doug 7-piece tool puzzle
This 7-piece puzzle has a variety of chunky, easy-to-grasp tools.
2. $12 Color and shape puzzle
This is a colorful and fun puzzle with easily identifiable shapes and images.
3. $16 Cat hardcover book
This hardcover book has thick, easy-to-turn pages and large beautiful pictures of all kinds of cats.
4. $17 Dog hardcover book
This hardcover book has thick, easy-to-turn pages and large beautiful pictures of all kinds of dogs.
5. $12 Wooden 24-piece tool box kit
This 24-piece set includes wooden tools, nails, screws, nuts, and bolts.
6. $15 26 Pack Sensory Fidget Toys
This set includes 26 simple, touch-based activities that keep hands and minds busy in safe, soothing ways. Fidget toys are especially helpful for someone who’s anxious, pulls at their clothes, wrings their hands, or picks at their skin.
7. $20 Deluxe latches board
This well-crafted board is brightly colored and has polished metal locks, latches and clasps. Each door opens to has a fun picture.
8. $19 Plastic nuts & bolts set with 64 pieces
These brightly colored plastic nuts and bolts provide hours of safe fun. You can attach and detach the nuts and bolts or sort by color or shape.
9. $29 My Little Puppy singing plush puppy
This soft, cuddly puppy is 10″ tall and sings “If You’re Happy And You Know It.” The best part? It claps hands and ears along with the song! Batteries included.
10. $94 Lock Box memory game
This is a well-built hardwood box with 3 separate compartments, 10 doors, and 10 different latches. For extra fun, put snacks or small keepsakes inside the box for your older adult to discover.
Recommended for you:
- Activities for Seniors with Alzheimer’s: 10 Inexpensive DIY Ideas
- 6 Alzheimer’s Sensory Activities Reduce Anxiety without Medication
- 10 Fun, No-Fail Activities for People with Dementia
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Circles Disability Support
All prices quoted were checked shortly before publication, but prices and availability change often and might not match what is found online. This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. We never link to products for the sole purpose of making a commission. Product recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.
Anonymous
thank-you so much for all of your helpful material. I am grateful for the free advice.
DailyCaring
You’re very welcome! We’re so glad our articles are helpful.
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Helen Press
I was hoping someone could help me. My dad likes to use his strength to try and move things like the kitchen table and the door frames plus the kitchen cupboards. I am seeking help with strength based activities please. He also loves to fiddle and my mum doesn’t like him touching her nice things that are around the house. I know it’s easier to remove them but she won’t at this stage. Thank you.
DailyCaring
It might take some trial and error to find activities that will engage the interests that he’s currently showing. Perhaps he’s seeking more physical activities and some exercise routines would be satisfying. Or, he may like activities that are similar to fixing things around the house. Keeping him busy will hopefully help reduce his interest in your mom’s nice things.
Try to create links or activities that are similar to things he enjoyed doing in the past. Hopefully some of the suggestions in this article can help you think of and find activities that will keep him happily occupied.
Here are additional articles that may also have helpful suggestions and information:
— 6 Ways to Help Seniors with Alzheimer’s Keep Hands Busy https://dailycaring.com/6-ways-to-help-seniors-with-alzheimers-keep-hands-busy/
— 10 Activities for Seniors with Alzheimer’s: Inexpensive DIY Ideas https://dailycaring.com/activities-for-seniors-with-alzheimers-10-inexpensive-diy-ideas/
— Our section of exercise articles https://dailycaring.com/tag/exercise/
jo
The lock box looks great but i am concerned that the other items are quite childlike.
DailyCaring
I understand your concern. Each person with dementia is different and the most important consideration is how they feel about an activity. If they like and enjoy it, then how others may perceive it isn’t important. However, if the person doesn’t like the activity, then it’s not right for them at this stage of dementia. As dementia progresses, people’s tastes and preferences often change. It can be worthwhile to revisit things that have been tried in the past.
Chriss Martorelli
What if my husband, who has mild cognitive impairment, is very lazy, shows no interest in anything but TV (mostly reruns) and refuses any physical activity. Now he is oxygen which limits him even more. He was told to do minor exercises, brain puzzles on the computer, but acts like it is all too hard. ?His only interest is eating and he weighs over 300 lbs.
DailyCaring
This is definitely a challenging situation. Sometimes it can be really tough for someone with cognitive impairment to do activities that we see as simple. It’s possible that he needs less complex puzzles or activities so he will feel successful and not feel frustrated or anxious. If he feels like he’s failing, that may be one reason why he refuses to do anything at all. Watching TV, especially shows that he’s seen before, may be easier for his brain to process. Physical activity can be difficult for someone who is overweight. Starting slowly and just doing a tiny bit of activity and building up little by little may help — even just walking around the house once or twice can be a good start. Maybe serving meals or snacks in another room would get him to walk at least a little bit.
Catherine McDermott
Could also be depression. Lack of energy or desire to do anything is often a very common sign of depression in men and over eating is a way of self medicating. You should have him seen by his PCP or a psychiatrist to have him evaluated.
DailyCaring
Great point, depression can definitely take away someone’s energy and desire to engage with the world. We’ve got more info on that here: When Depression and Dementia Collide https://dailycaring.com/when-depression-and-dementia-collide/
Barbara
We’re new with this horrible disease. My Husband biggest disappointment in life is that he always has been our Designated Driver. Mainly because he loves to drive And always enjoyed taking drives just about anywhere & everywhere. He never even let me drive. I have to add that I was always put down by him if I drive with him in our car. In other words-he makes me feel like I am a teen who is about to take the Driving exam! Yes, he’s always the real Backseat Driver. I’m scared & nervous to be behind the wheel when he’s in the car yelling at me. His disease hasn’t changed his rage while I’m driving. Note: I’ve never had an accident, or complaints from anyone else concerning my driving. He truly wants to continue to drive. There’s No Way that he could drive while he’s alone in the car mainly because he’ll forget his keys, his direction, or lock himself out-or in. What can I do to get thru to him that we can drive in the car as long as I- or someone else drives!??? Thank you for any help you can give me! Barbara
DailyCaring
I’m so sorry that you’re dealing with this 🙁 Giving up driving is a very challenging situation for everyone involved. We’ve got a couple of articles with suggestions that may help:
— http://dailycaring.com/8-ways-to-stop-an-elderly-person-from-driving-when-all-else-fails/
— http://dailycaring.com/4-tips-to-get-an-elderly-person-to-stop-driving/
Aunt Gracie
Old issues of SI are handy for engaging the aging sports buff. I always enjoy hearing about the Raiders in the ’60s, the year Tommy Aaron won the Masters, etc
DailyCaring
Great suggestion, thank you for sharing!
James Conley
I’ve worked in memory care for many many years. I have used hundreds of activities over the years. The key is that each person is different, oh some may like a lot of the same kind of activities in general but there’s always that one thing that completely engages that person, the trick is to find it. Ask families, read history and don’t give up until you find it!
DailyCaring
Great tip James! Thank you for sharing!
Valarie Gaylord
I think I’ll check out my day care toys and set some on mom’s table, see what she gravitates to. At this point suggesting or modeling isn’t working, but maybe if I just leave them out, she’ll engage in one. Thanks for the great ideas!
DailyCaring
That’s a fantastic approach!! Maybe she’ll feel more free to try things out that way 💜
Jean Skolfield
My husband who has dementia recently spent two weeks in a Transitional Care facility after five days in thee hospital. One activity he seemed to enjoy and always got him engaged was batting a balloon back and forth. A cheap and fun activity.
DailyCaring
That’s a fantastic, fun activity! Thank you for sharing! Batting the balloon is also a great way to work on those upper body muscles too 🙂
Jody Merritt
Do you have something for a blind person?
DailyCaring
Great question! We’re working on some articles for people who are vision impairment. In the meantime, I’d suggest focusing on activities that appeal to the senses that your older adult still has, smell, touch, sound, taste. Focus on hearing with books on tape, listening to music, asking them to tell you about their childhood or significant life events, etc. For touch-based games/activities, play doh or “slime” like substances are really fun to manipulate. For smell, they may enjoy a game where you sniff scented cards and think of memories related to that scent. And sensory (touch-based) activities are great for everyone, vision-impaired or not.
Articles with more information about these suggestions:
— Books on tape: http://dailycaring.com/stimulate-senior-minds-with-books-on-tape/
— Help them reminisce: http://dailycaring.com/4-ways-reminiscence-therapy-for-dementia-brings-joy-to-seniors/
— Sensory activities (scented reminiscing game is #2): http://dailycaring.com/6-alzheimers-sensory-activities-reduce-anxiety-without-medication/
I hope these are helpful! Check back later for an article specifically about activities for people who are vision impaired.
Ann Marie Lasinski
These are great. I do not look at it as age appropriate anymore, but stage appropriate. I bought my husband the plumbing pipes to put together that are also colorful. I also have some colorful Leggos he enjoys.
DailyCaring
That’s a fantastic way to think about it! With dementia, someone’s cognitive ability is more important than their physical age. I hope your husband enjoys the wonderful activities you got for him! 💜
kathy glaze
I’m sorry but if you put a of these things in front of me, expect me to fling them off table. I have been the manager of a dementia unit and done activities work and as someone who has had Parkinson’s for 16 yeas and looking forward to a greater chance of dementia – I want to reminiscence and sort things. And not reminiscing about The Saturday Evening Post but try The Rolling Stone instead. And play the Beatles.
DailyCaring
Each person will enjoy different activities, so it’s good to have a variety of options to choose from. Our suggestions are here as a starting point to help caregivers brainstorm. Thanks for sharing your ideas, there are many people who would probably enjoy The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
Peggy M
The residents I work with wouldn’t even remember The Rolling Stones or any songs that the Beatles sang, but play the 1940s songs for them with Jimmy Dorsey or Ella Fitzgerald, or Frank Sinatra, or Dean Martin and they will sing each song word for word. That’s the problem I have when someone tries to bring up artists from my era and not theirs. Sometimes they try and push these songs on them because they like them. I buy the CDs at the thrift store and always surprise them with songs from their era.
DailyCaring
That’s so true! The music has to fit their preferences. We’ve got a list of top hits throughout the years, from the 1930s through the 1960s. Check them out here — http://dailycaring.com/music-seniors-love-top-songs-from-every-generation/
Joy Gerardi
The puzzles would be good for my mom….but the child toys…would not go over well with my Mom….There are times she feels like she is being treated like a child…and she is…that is her mentality at times…but she doesn’t feel like one…this would be one of those situations…They played a great game with my mom at Ashley Gardens Alzheimer’s Care Unit, Charleston, SC…where my Mom lives….
They sat around and listened to specific sounds…like the sounds you hear in the grocery store, at a wedding, the airport….and then once they guessed what the sounds were, they were asked about their experiences…like what was the name of the grocery you went to…how many people were at your wedding…it really engaged them….one woman was asked…What do you remember about your your wedding? she answered, “The Honeymoon!”
DailyCaring
Everyone is different so it’s important to find activities that are interesting and fun for your older adult. I love the sound game idea! That’s a great way to use imagination and encourage reminiscence.
Deanna
Loved these ideas. My mother’s physical therapists had her squeeze clothes pins onto a stick. Took her a minute to get the concept, but stuck with the task.
Connie Chow
That’s a fantastic activity idea! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Debbie Zeis
It doesn’t show the star board the lady is working on in the picture, or a price.
Connie Chow
That specific activity wasn’t part of this article, but it looks like something you could make. For a simple version, get a large piece of white poster board and draw or stamp large shapes on it in different colors. You could use stars like in this photo or choose squares or circles or triangles. Then get small blocks or something similar in matching colors. These types of supplies can be purchased inexpensively at local craft stores or large chains like Michaels. On Amazon, you might be interested in these color matching games — http://amzn.to/2brd66Y
Laurie
These are wonderful. My husband made some animal wooden puzzles for my mother and she really enjoyed them.
Connie Chow
How wonderful that your husband was able to do that! I’m glad your mom was able to enjoy such a thoughtful gift 🙂 Best, Connie
Kathy
These are great! We have many of the Melissa & Doug toys for my sons. It would be great if parents donate the toys to adult day care to get new use out of them. I never thought of the significance of the puzzles.
Connie Chow
Hi Kathy — I’m so glad this article was helpful! It would certainly be wonderful if people donated gently used items to organizations that could put them to good use 🙂 Great idea! Best, Connie