6 Sensory Activities for Dementia Calm and Soothe

For seniors living with dementia, sensory activities can be a powerful tool to reduce anxiety, spark joy, and create moments of peaceful connection. Simple, engaging experiences that stimulate the senses—touch, sight, sound, and smell—can help soothe agitation and improve your mood.

In this article, we share six calming sensory activities designed to comfort and engage, from soothing texture boards to aromatherapy exercises. Discover easy, meaningful ways to bring relaxation and happiness to your loved one’s daily routine.

Sensory Activities for Dementia Reduce Agitation

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 safely and soothingly.

We found six simple, fun, and inexpensive sensory activities for older adults with dementia that they 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 appeal to your older adult, such as a variety of animals, flowers, or small food and drinks.

Or, check out these additional sensory bag examples for more ideas.

See the DIY aquarium 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 can also substitute other smells that your older adult associates 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 a fun and soothing activity. It might also give your older adult a sense of purpose if you ask them to help you sort your loose change.

See a coin sorting example

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

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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.