Top 5 Indoor Activities for Seniors with Dementia (For Free)

Top 5 Indoor Activities for Seniors with Dementia (For Free)

In this video, I will go over my Top 5 best indoor activities for seniors with dementia and examples of what that looks like if your loved one is walking or in a wheelchair.

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The first kind of activity you can do are task related. Teepa Snow talks about the importance of helping folks feel productive when they have lost the ability to organize it and I’ve found this to be profoundly true. An idea is having them help you with indoor chores. Think about what your loved one did before dementia or simply what needs to get done that your loved one can do.

For example, I’ve seen seniors with dementia fold laundry,file paperwork,mix cake mix etc. Make sure to simplify the task if needed depending on your loved one’s ability. Praise them often for how hard they are working,how much they are contributing etc. Too many people treat activities like entertainment and forget that people need to be needed as well.

The second activity is a reminiscence activity. I suggest music. As a Music therapist, I have lead hundreds if not thousands of music groups over the years. Choosing music that they listened to when you were growing up or music you know they like access memories easier and remember who they were. Make sure to encourage them to sing along, dance or clap for maximum effect.

Examples include: music listening, karaoke or dancing. All easy and accessible for anyone of any ability level.

The third activity is sensory or creativity projects. An activity where they can touch and create are very important for your loved one. It helps them focus, relax and feel productive.

For example: crafts like painting, coloring,puzzles board games etc. Make sure to adjust with ability level. If you’re still confused about how this would look, I’ve linked a Teepa Snow video on puzzles in the description.

The fourth activity is exercise, specifically yoga/ stretching. Simple exercise like In chair stretching or workouts can be done indoors and are very important to maintain your loved ones health. Check out some how to videos I have linked below on some free chair stretching and leg lifts here: Chair Yoga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DYH5ud3zHo Video for your loved one that can move around a bit more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxxPTjGZaFU Do it together so it turns into a bonding experience.

The fifth activity is relaxation. Relaxation is important for seniors with dementia.They are overwhelmed and need unwind time like us

Examples Include: aroma-therapy,spa day, reading them a book,painting nails etc. Get inspiration from their routines before dementia or what you usually do and invite them to join you.

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