Caring for someone with dementia is unlike any other responsibility you will undertake. It calls for you to dig deep down into your reserves of patience, flexibility, and perhaps most importantly, creativity to come up with new and engaging activities for dementia care. You need to be willing to pivot at a moment’s notice from one technique to another to foster a fulfilling and enriching life for the person you love, all while dealing with the more challenging components of the condition.
Our highly trained dementia care team is here to help with some creative tips you can easily implement to make each day the best it can be for a loved one with dementia.
Adaptive games: Modify simple games like bingo, puzzles, and memory matching to accommodate cognitive changes. For example, use larger, easy-to-handle pieces for puzzles or vibrant colored cards for bingo to enhance visibility and ease of use.
Red tableware: Studies indicate that using red plates and cups may increase intake of food in people who have dementia by improving contrast and visibility of food.
Light therapy: Exposure to daylight or specialized light therapy devices can help regulate sleep patterns and improve mood in those with dementia.
Tailored storytelling: Customize familiar stories to add specifics from the individual's past. For instance, if the person loved fishing at a specific lake, weave the name of the lake into a story you’re telling to spark memories and conversations.
Comforting scents: Aromatherapy can work wonders in providing a calming effect to lessen anxiety and agitation. Try scents like lavender, peppermint, or vanilla.
Montessori methods: Adapt Montessori principles to develop meaningful and engaging activities that stimulate cognitive function and promote independence.
The hand-under-hand technique: When helping with tasks, gently place your hand underneath the person's hand to steer them, promoting a feeling of control and dignity.
The magic of music: Music is a remarkably effective tool you’ll likely want to turn to again and again. This could involve creating a playlist of the person’s favorite songs to sing and dance to together, playing instruments, attending concerts (in person or online), etc.
Virtual reality (VR): VR experiences tailored to the individual's interests and abilities can provide immersive and therapeutic experiences, triggering memories and improving mood.
Personalized workout plans: Incorporate gentle, guided exercises that match the individual's current physical abilities and help maintain mobility. Talk to the person’s doctor for recommendations.
Biophilic design: Incorporate components of nature, including plants or nature-inspired artwork, into the living environment to create a calming and familiar atmosphere.
Reminiscence boxes: Create personalized boxes filled with meaningful objects or photos from the individual's past to spark memories and facilitate reminiscing.
Sensory stimulation: Engage the senses with tactile activities like gardening or fabric folding, which can soothe and ground people who have dementia.
Partner with our dementia care specialists for additional socialization opportunities, creative activities specific to the person’s interests, and the chance for you to step away for some well-earned time to yourself. Serving York, Etobicoke, Scarborough, and communities throughout the Greater Toronto Area, you can reach us any time at (416) 422-2273.