Keeping seniors with dementia engaged and stimulated doesn’t require elaborate setups, just simple, meaningful activities that spark joy and connection. Busy bag activity kits for seniors offer a perfect solution, providing sensory-rich, easy-to-use tools that promote focus and calm.
In this article, we share four thoughtfully designed busy bag ideas tailored for cognitive support, from tactile fidget kits to nostalgic memory prompts. These portable bundles aren’t just entertaining; they’re practical tools to reduce anxiety, encourage interaction, and brighten your loved one's daily routines.
Busy Bag Activity Kits For Seniors to Keep Them Engaged
When seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia can no longer participate in normal daily activities, it’s easy for them to become bored.
That can lead to agitation, anxiety, depression, or even anger. It can also increase the chances of sundowning.
To prevent boredom, try activities with no right or wrong. They're a fantastic way to engage and entertain older adults.
And they can reduce the need for medications to manage agitation, challenging behavior, and depression.
We found fun, portable, inexpensive DIY activities from Powerful Mothering. They're called “busy bags” because the entire activity fits neatly into a zippered bag.
We share the four busy bag activity kits for seniors so those with dementia can enjoy their time with more engagement.
Note: For the bags themselves, all you need are some handy zipper bags to keep each activity organized when it's not being used.
Four Busy Bag Activity Kits for Seniors: What's in the Bag?
1. Velcro dot craft sticks
Sticking velcro dots to jumbo popsicle sticks is a fantastic, creative activity. Older adults can make shapes, lines, stacks, or anything they like.
The colorful sticks are eye-catching and easy to hold, while the velcro dots are easy for you to attach and remove.
Get the velcro dot sticks instructions here
2. Easy shapes and patterns
Cutting large foam shapes into smaller pieces makes a fun and easy shape and color game.
Put the shapes back together, make creative new shapes, or group colors together.
To make the shapes, you might like these colorful foam sheets.
Get the easy shapes instructions here
3. Foam lacing shapes
These brightly colored shapes have holes punched around the edges so string can be laced through them.
They can follow the dots around the edge or make fun patterns with the string.
To make your own, use colorful foam sheets, plastic-tipped laces, and a hole puncher.
If you’d like to buy a ready-made set, try this lacing shapes kit.
Get the lacing shapes instructions here
4. Fun with crazy straws
Cut out brightly colored felt circles and have your older adult push them onto a crazy straw. It’s a colorful and engaging activity.
Get the crazy straws instructions here
Recommended for you:
- 10 Fun, No-Fail Activities for People with Dementia
- 10 Affordable Products for People with Dementia That Increase Comfort and Calm
- 4 Benefits of Activities for Dementia and 5 Ways to Adapt Daily Tasks
Images: Powerful Mothering
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About the Author
Connie Chow
Connie was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also knows how important support is — especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
