Sensory activities for dementia reduces agitation, calms, and soothes
It’s difficult to stand by and watch your older adult with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia live with anxiety, agitation, or anger.
Sensory therapy is a helpful way to calm and soothe without using medication. It’s an effective way to reduce anxiety, calm nerves, and provide comfort.
Seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia can use these simple touch-based activities to occupy their hands and minds in safe, soothing ways.
We found 6 simple, fun, and inexpensive sensory activities for dementia that your older adult will love.
6 sensory activities for dementia
1. DIY aquarium sensory bag
Blossom created a video for their Facebook page showing how to quickly and easily create a sensory bag with an aquarium theme.
It’s essentially a sealed plastic bag with water beads and ocean animals inside
You could also replace the ocean animals with mini items that are appealing to your older adult, like a variety of animals, some flowers, or tiny food and drink.
Or, check out these additional sensory bag examples for more ideas.
See the sensory bag video here
2. Scented sensory cards
Smells are a powerful way to trigger memories and emotions. A Little Learning for Two shows us how to create simple scented cards with a winter theme.
These are universally comforting scents, but you could also substitute other smells that your older adult would associate with positive feelings.
Get the sensory card instructions
3. Homemade non-toxic finger paint
These non-toxic, homemade finger paints are a fun way for your older adult to express themselves through art.
To keep the mess to a minimum, tape a giant piece of butcher paper to the table and let them paint on that.
Get the non-toxic finger paint recipe
4. Coin sorting
Sorting coins into small glass or ceramic bowls is fun and soothing. It might also give your older adult a sense of purpose if you ask them to help you sort your loose change.
5. Pop bubble wrap or pop-it fidget toys
Everyone loves popping bubble wrap! This is one of the simplest activities around, but surprisingly satisfying.
If you haven’t gotten any packages lately, bubble wrap is inexpensive and easily found at office supply or shipping stores.
Or, a simple alternative is to buy an inexpensive pop it fidget toy. They come in a wide variety of colors, sizes, and designs.
Buy some bubble wrap or pop it fidget toys
6. Loop board
Create a simple threading activity with a board, screw eyes, and some cord or a shoelace.
See how to create a DIY loop board
Recommended for you:
- 10 Easy Crafts for Seniors with Dementia: Inexpensive DIY Ideas
- 10 Fun, No-Fail Activities for People with Dementia
- Jigsaw Puzzles for Seniors at All Ability Levels
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Images: First Media Blossom, A Little Learning for Two, At the Butterfly Ball, Rhythms of Play, Google Images, Your Therapy Source
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.
Amanda Whittam
Hello, do you still make the fidget mats? As I would like some advice, I’ve would like to buy or make some for my local nursing home.
Many thanks
DailyCaring
That would be a wonderful project or gift for the nursing home! We don’t make or sell any products, but do include links to a variety of fidget blankets in #1 of this article – 6 Calming Ways to Help Seniors with Alzheimer’s Keep Hands Busy https://dailycaring.com/6-ways-to-help-seniors-with-alzheimers-keep-hands-busy/
chimere joy
I resently brought my grandmother something I can not wait to share with the world. For those who enjoy bubble wrap. it can get costly and it’s bad for the environment. I got a game that feel just like the real thing and it’s [ Chuckle & Roar Pop it! – The Take Anywhere Bubble Popping Game https://goto.target.com/RXO2b ]
DailyCaring
Great suggestion, thank you for sharing!
Donnie StCyr
We resentfully moved my mother n law in to our house because she has Alzheimer’s
She is very stubborn and says she knows how to do everything, but she don’t.
She gets mad and cusses at me, won’t eat, don’t want a bath, don’t want to change clothes, on and on.
I am all new at this and I get my feelings hurt a lot then my husband don’t understand. How can I change all of this? I try things but she is sooooo stubborn.
DailyCaring
Unfortunately, what you’re describing is common behavior in Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Someone with Alzheimer’s has damage in their brain because of the disease. They’re no longer able to be fully logical and reasonable. It may help you to learn more about the disease, what to expect, and ways to deal with common challenging behaviors.
Here are some articles with helpful information:
— What Is Alzheimer’s Disease? Get the Facts https://dailycaring.com/what-is-alzheimers-disease-get-the-facts/
— 3 Stages of Dementia: What to Expect https://dailycaring.com/3-stages-of-dementia-what-to-expect/
— Q & A: Should You Correct Someone with Alzheimer’s? https://dailycaring.com/q-a-should-you-correct-someone-with-alzheimers/
— Difficult Alzheimer’s Behaviors Solved with Expert Communication Tips https://dailycaring.com/video-difficult-alzheimers-behaviors-solved-with-expert-communication-tips/
— 7 Ways to Respond to Mean Dementia Behavior https://dailycaring.com/7-ways-to-respond-to-mean-dementia-behavior/
— 7 Tips to Get Someone with Alzheimer’s to Take a Bath https://dailycaring.com/7-tips-to-get-someone-with-alzheimers-to-take-a-bath/
— How to Get Someone with Dementia to Eat: 8 Expert Tips [Infographic] https://dailycaring.com/how-to-get-someone-with-dementia-to-eat-8-expert-tips-infographic/
It may also help to join a caregiver support group for people caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia. They’ll understand what you’re going through and may have helpful tips and suggestions. Here are some private Facebook groups we recommend — https://dailycaring.com/11-caregiver-support-groups-on-facebook-youll-want-to-join/
Anonymous
If u havent already figured this out…. watch EVERY SINGLE teepa snow video u can find, there are tons… most info u get is surface level… doesnt address the actual problems, or just says it simply but when u go to do it…. totally different…. just trust me… TEEPA SNOW… u will see… shes probably the best there is and u can get hours and hours for free, watch it all!
DailyCaring
Teepa Snow is amazing. We recommend several of her clips in these articles:
– How to Help Someone with Alzheimer’s: 5 Essential Tips from Expert Teepa Snow https://dailycaring.com/how-to-help-someone-with-alzheimers-5-essential-tips-from-expert-teepa-snow-video/
– Dementia and Eyesight: 3 Common Changes and Behaviors https://dailycaring.com/dementia-and-eyesight-an-expert-explains-common-changes-and-behaviors-video/
– 3 Tips to Help Someone with Alzheimer’s Brush Their Teeth https://dailycaring.com/how-to-help-someone-with-alzheimers-brush-their-teeth/
– 6 Positive Ways to Approach Someone with Dementia https://dailycaring.com/how-to-approach-someone-with-dementia-6-tips-for-a-positive-care-experience-video/
Li Cross
I make “Fidget Mats” for dementia patients and donate them to local nursing homes. NBC 5 in Dallas has done a story about them. Feel free to share or copy my idea.
DailyCaring
Thank you Li! This is a wonderful way to support your community and bring joy to those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.