Need Dementia Activity Suggestions for My Mother in Middle Stage of Dementia

Vivian posted

I have used magazines, picture only books, puzzles, family and interest albums with my mother. Are there any other activities I could do with her? She has dementia and doesn't have hand eye coordination to do activities like bingo or cards or colouring. I do them with her while she watches. I take her outside in her wheel chair when the weather is good and she does listen to concerts. The TV is often too far away and she can't hear properly.

Vivian,
It is a challenge to keep a loved one busy with dementia. Because your mom has low vision issues. Here are some fun and engaging activities to try out!

Music
Turn on some of their favorite tunes from their youth for a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. Sing along together or even try out a simple musical instrument like a harmonica.

Reading Aloud and Audiobooks
Reading aloud is a great way to interact with your loved one, especially with children. You can also try out audiobooks from the library, retailers, and even online for free.

Movement and Exercise

Get moving and grooving to their favorite music or try out chair yoga for a mood and health boost. For some outdoor time, take a wheelchair stroll or car ride while describing the scenery.

People can play catch using a beach ball, balloons or soft balls. Playing catch is a physical activity and can help a person with dementia stay active.This may provide a sense of achievement.

Household Chores
Make your loved one feel involved and important by having them help with tasks like preparing fruit and veggies, folding laundry, or sorting silverware.

Allow her to help make a meal or bake. Depending on her abilities, she may be able to stir the pot, break the eggs. or even put the pre measured ingredients in a bowl.

Sorting
Sorting different blocks, beads or different types of pasta or coins into muffin tins may keep her entertained.

Have a Spa day.

Soak her hands and feet in warm soapy water and do her nails. Give her a facial, a hand massage.  Or just give her a warm washcloth scented with lavender to calm, or lemon scented to lift her spirits.  

Animal Therapy

Petting a friendly animal can be a calming and pleasant experience for seniors. I recommend robotic pets for those with dementia Of course, a stuffed animal may give her comfort.

Baby Doll Therapy

Some women love babies. A baby doll may keep her company and keep her busy swaddling and rocking the baby doll during the day.

Arts, Crafts, and Tactile Activities
I know you said your mom is unable to use her hands well.  Fidget toys, a fidget apron or lap blanket, may keep her hands busy. Sensory toys can also be engaging and satisfying.
Create a bag with things with different textures. Let her pull them out and feel them.

Many people enjoy smoothing out crumpled paper or tissue paper.

Modified Games
Try out large print playing cards, giant-sized dominoes, and matching games with raised dots for those with limited vision.

Some people with a limited vision may also enjoy expressive painting (think broad strokes and abstract shapes) – use vivid colors against a contrasting background to make it easier to see. Use bigger brushes and put on an apron to keep her clean.  

Finger painting can provide sensory stimulation for a person with dementia.
Collaborating on an art piece together can be a fun way for a child and a person with dementia to bond.

Make homemade play dough and allow her to use her hands and try to create art with it. Using her hands will strengthen them as well as have fun.

Feeding the birds may be something she would enjoy. There are bird houses that have cameras in them, and she may be able to watch them on her computer screen. Studies report that listening to birds sing and chirp can lift spirits for hours after the experience.  

It can be tough for someone with dementia to figure out their day on their own.

But don't worry - here are some tips to lend a hand:

Stick to a schedule: doing things at the same time every day can be helpful.
Choose activities that fit the person's abilities and interests.
Make it fun for everyone involved!
Help them get started and decide if they need a hand finishing.
Keep an eye out for frustration and adjust accordingly.
Make sure they feel good about what they've accomplished.
If they'd rather watch than participate, that's totally okay!

Don't let low vision and dementia stop your loved one from having fun and engaging activities to enjoy. Try out some of these options and see what works best for her!

Please let me know what you find that works for your mom.