INPLACE CARE -
May 26, 2021

Meaningful Activities for People with Dementia

Remaining engaged and involved in meaningful activities is just as important for people living with dementia as it is for everyone else. Routines, strategies and modifications can help to keep people involved in the activities and hobbies that give their life meaning and pleasure.

Activities should be tailored to the person and should consider their hobbies, work history, former lifestyle and important life events.

The goal of activities for people living with dementia should be to:

Maintain skills
Promote new learning
Compensate for lost activities
Be consistent
Improve self-esteem
Bring pleasure, enjoyment and social contact

Activities could include:

Skills such as sweeping, gardening and washing up that have not been forgotten can provide a sense of normalcy and responsibility.
Long-held hobbies such as crafts, painting or playing an instrument can provide enjoyment and meaning.
Enjoying old memories through photographs and books can recall positive feelings of past times.
Sensory experiences such as massage, hair brushing, fragrances and textured materials can be enjoyable.
Movement and rhythm are often long retained, so activities such as listening to music, dance, walking or a stationary bike or elliptical machine can be a great outlet.

It can be helpful for a person with dementia to talk to someone about how to adjust activities when finding purpose and pleasure has become more challenging.

For more information about remaining active with dementia check out Dementia Australia

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