Introduction
Caring for a family member living with dementia at home is a profound act of love. While the journey has its challenges, one of the most powerful tools we have is also one of the simplest: engagement. Engaging a person with dementia in tailored, meaningful activities isn’t just a way to pass the time—it can significantly boost their mood, stimulate their mind, and help maintain a sense of independence and self-worth.
The key is to focus not on what has been lost, but on what remains: the abilities, preferences, and the unique person within. By crafting activities around their Personality, interests, background, and Circumstances (the PCC principle), we can create moments of connection, reduce frustration, and foster genuine joy.
Why Tailored Activities Matter
Activities suited to an individual’s current abilities prevent feelings of failure or overwhelm. When a task is achievable, it minimizes anxiety and instead cultivates a sense of productivity and accomplishment. It’s about meeting your loved one where they are, and sharing the moment.
Here are some ideas, structured around different types of stimulation, to inspire your days at home.
1. Sensory Stimulation: Engaging the Senses
The senses are a direct pathway to memories, emotions, and the present moment. We can use them to create comforting and engaging experiences.
Hearing: Create a playlist of their favourite music from their youth or play beloved hymns. Sing along together. Even a gentle sway or holding hands to the rhythm can be a beautiful, connecting “dance.”
Touch (Tactile): Offer a basket with different textured fabrics (silk, wool, corduroy). Use a stress ball or knead play-dough together. Simply sorting smooth stones or buttons can be calming.
Smell: Introduce gentle, familiar scents: a favourite flower from the garden, rosemary or basil from the windowsill, ground coffee, or a familiar perfume. Aromatherapy oils like lavender can be soothing.
Sight: Look at colourful art books, watch calming videos of nature or wildlife, or enjoy episodes of old, familiar TV series. Bright, cheerful colours can be uplifting.
2. Cognitive Engagement: Gentle Mental Exercise
Keeping the mind active in a gentle, pressure-free way supports cognitive function and sparks conversation.
Reminiscence: Go through old photo albums, listen to favourite songs, or talk about past holidays, careers, or family stories. Your loved one is the expert in their own history.
Simple Games: Adapt card games or board games. Matching games, simple dominoes, or even ‘snap’ can be enjoyable. The goal is participation, not competition.
Practical Puzzles: An activity like untying gentle knots in a soft rope can provide excellent cognitive and physical stimulation without causing frustration.
3. Creative & Artistic Expression: The Heart’s Language
Arts and crafts aren’t about creating a masterpiece; they’re about expression, flow, and the joy of doing.
Painting & Drawing: Use large brushes and non-toxic paints. Let them explore colour and shape on paper, canvas, or even smooth stones or wood off-cuts.
Familiar Crafts: If they once enjoyed knitting or simple woodworking, adapt the activity. Holding sandpaper to smooth a piece of wood or having safe, non-functional tools to handle can provide a deep sense of familiarity and achievement, especially for former handymen or crafters.
Reading Aloud: Read poems, short stories, or articles from a favourite magazine or book. The sound of a familiar voice is deeply comforting.
4. Purposeful Physical Activity: Movement with Meaning
Physical activity boosts circulation, mood, and helps maintain motor skills.
Gentle Movement: A short, slow walk in the garden or a safe indoor space respects their need for activity (as supported by the Alzheimer’s Bill of Rights).
Gardening: Watering plants, planting herbs in pots, or feeling the soil engages the senses and provides a sense of nurturing.
Household Tasks: Incorporate them into simple, supervised tasks: folding laundry (matching socks), sorting cutlery, laying the table, or peeling vegetables. Cooking a simple recipe together can be immensely satisfying and productive.
Helpful Tips for Success
Keep it Positive: Focus on enjoyment, not correction. Praise effort, not outcome.
Be Patient & Flexible: If an activity isn’t working, let it go and try something else later.
Involve the Person: Offer choices whenever possible: “Shall we look at photos or listen to music?”
Break it Down: Give one simple instruction at a time.
Create a Routine: A predictable daily structure provides security, but be open to spontaneous moments of joy.
Ensure Safety: Always supervise, use non-toxic materials, and ensure the environment is clutter-free.
Connect with Others: You are not alone. Share ideas with support groups, friends, or organisations like ADASA.
Remember: The most meaningful activity is often the one that sparks a smile, a memory, or a moment of peaceful connection. By seeing the world through their eyes and adapting with love, you can create a home environment filled with dignity, purpose, and shared joy.
ADASA is here to support you. Reach out to our network for resources, support groups, and shared community wisdom.
Written by Welma Geldenhuys (ADASA Gauteng Senior Social Worker)