Busy bag activity kits keep seniors with dementia engaged
When seniors with Alzheimer’s 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.
Activities with no right or wrong are a wonderful way to engage and entertain older adults. They can also reduce the need for medications to manage agitation, difficult 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 chose the 4 busy bag activity kits that seniors with dementia would enjoy most.
(For the bags themselves, all you need are some handy zipper bags and a metal ring to keep them organized when they’re not being used.)
1. Velcro dot craft sticks
Sticking velcro dots to jumbo popsicle sticks is a fantastic creative activity. Seniors 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 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. Seniors can put the shapes back together, make creative new shapes, or group colors together.
You might like these textured foam sheets or solid color foam sheets.
Get the easy shapes instructions here
3. Foam lacing shapes
These brightly colored shapes have holes punched around the edges so seniors can have fun lacing string through them. They can follow the dots around or make crazy patterns with the string.
Use textured foam sheets or solid color foam sheets and plastic-tipped string. If you’d like to buy a ready-made set, try this foam lacing shapes kit.
Get the lacing shapes instructions here
4. Fun with crazy straws
Cut out brightly colored felt circles and let your older adult push them onto a crazy straw. This is a colorful, twisty, engaging activity!
Get the crazy straws instructions here
You might also like:
– 6 Alzheimer’s Sensory Activities Reduce Anxiety without Medication
– 12 Engaging Activities for Seniors with Dementia: Reduce Agitation and Boost Mood
– 10 Activities for Seniors with Alzheimer’s: Inexpensive DIY Ideas
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Images: Powerful Mothering velcro sticks, easy shapes, foam lacing, crazy straws
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