10 Activities for People With Dementia in Assisted Living

Having fun and meaningful activities to do on a regular basis can enrich the lives of those living with dementia. This is true regardless of whether they’re in assisted living, whether they’re in memory care, or whether they’re living at home with a caretaker.

Thoughtful activities—such as art therapy, gardening, and animal visits—that align with your loved one’s interests can help reduce agitation, improve mood, and foster a sense of accomplishment. 

Art Therapy

Art therapy offers a creative outlet where people with dementia can express their emotions without relying on words. Painting, coloring, or molding clay can provide a sensory experience that brings calm and focus.

Art therapy doesn’t require artistic skill—it’s about self-expression and the freedom to explore. In assisted living, group art sessions can be a time for socializing, while solo projects allow for quiet reflection. The art created during these sessions can become treasured keepsakes, reflecting the resident’s unique personality and creativity, and giving a sense of pride and support to caregivers and family members.

Music Therapy

Listening to or playing music has a unique way of sparking memory and enhancing mood. Many people with dementia respond well to familiar tunes from their younger years, and it’s common for music memories to remain intact even in the later stages of dementia.

Music therapy sessions can include singing along to favorite songs, creating rhythms with simple instruments, or just listening to a curated playlist. These experiences can evoke happy memories and provide emotional comfort, improving overall well-being.

Puzzles & Games

Puzzles and games are engaging activities that provide mental stimulation, help maintain cognitive function, and promote problem-solving skills. Simple jigsaw puzzles, matching games, or memory card games are great choices.

These activities offer a manageable challenge, giving residents a sense of accomplishment upon completion. In addition, games can be a social experience, allowing residents to bond with others while staying mentally active.

Gardening

Gardening provides a hands-on, relaxing activity that connects people with nature and can have a calming effect on the mind. From planting flowers to nurturing herbs, gardening can bring joy to those who have always loved spending time outdoors.

In assisted living, gardening activities are typically designed to be safe and accessible, using raised beds or pots for easy access. The satisfaction of watching something grow can foster feelings of purpose and achievement, enhancing emotional well-being.

Gentle Exercise

Regular physical activity can boost mood, promote circulation, and enhance overall wellness. Gentle exercises like stretching, chair yoga, or even walking are especially suitable for people with dementia.

Staff can guide exercise routines in assisted living to ensure safety and tailor them to each resident’s abilities. Physical activity not only improves physical health but also helps reduce feelings of anxiety and can improve sleep.

Storytelling & Reminiscing

Recalling favorite memories or telling stories can be a positive experience for those living with dementia, providing a bridge to meaningful memories. Storytelling sessions can be guided, or family members can bring photo albums or keepsakes to spark conversations.

Reminiscing about shared experiences helps residents feel connected to their past and promotes positive emotions. It’s also an excellent way for family members to bond with loved ones, encouraging a sense of identity and belonging.

Animal Therapy

Spending time with animals has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Many assisted living communities offer animal therapy programs, with trained animals visiting residents.

Animal therapy can involve petting a dog or cat, holding a gentle animal like a rabbit, or simply watching fish in an aquarium. These interactions offer a comforting presence and provide a sense of companionship, enhancing residents’ emotional well-being and providing reassurance and contentment to caregivers and family members.

Cooking or Baking Activities

Cooking activities can engage residents with dementia by connecting them to familiar smells, tastes, and actions. Simple tasks like stirring batter, decorating cookies, or seasoning a dish can be fulfilling and comforting.

While cooking or baking activities  in a senior living environment are supervised for safety, residents can enjoy the sensory stimulation and the chance to create something tasty. This is a wonderful way to reminisce about family recipes and bring back memories of home-cooked meals.

Reading Aloud

Listening to a story read aloud can be a calming and enjoyable experience.  This may involve reading favorite books, poetry, or even the day’s news.

For people living with dementia, the soothing nature of a familiar voice reading aloud can provide comfort. It can also spark conversations or reflections, creating a shared moment of connection.

Crafts & DIY Projects

Crafting is a versatile activity that can include anything from making simple jewelry to decorating picture frames. Crafts provide a sense of purpose and allow people to create something they can keep or give as a gift.

In assisted living communities, crafts are often part of scheduled activities where residents can socialize and work on projects together. Crafts don’t have to be complex to be meaningful, and the creative process can bring a sense of satisfaction and joy.

Discover Memory Care Options With Mira Vie Senior Living

Mira Vie Senior Living is committed to providing enriching activities that support the emotional and mental well-being of seniors living with dementia. If you’re considering memory care, contact us today to learn more about our welcoming environment, which we’ve designed to offer comfort and care for your loved one.