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.
To prevent boredom, try activities with no right or wrong. They’re a wonderful 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 4 busy bag activity kits that seniors with dementia would enjoy most.
Note: 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. 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 seniors can enjoy lacing string 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 and plastic-tipped laces.
If you’d like to buy a ready-made set, try this wooden 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 Reasons Dementia Activities Are Important and 5 Ways to Adapt Everyday Tasks
By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Images: Powerful Mothering velcro sticks, easy shapes, foam lacing, crazy straws
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