Caring for Dementia

Stimulation for people with dementia is one of the most important aspects of their quality of life. Meaningful activities encourage positive self image and feelings of worth. As each stage of dementia limits and hinders different abilities, we must understand what may have been enjoyable for someone in one stage, may become too overwhelming for them the further the disease progresses. Here are six creative ways to provide stimulation for people with dementia:

1. Encourage contribution roles

Empowering individuals with dementia through purposeful engagement involves inviting them to contribute to daily tasks aligned with their capabilities. Consider involving them in activities like wiping down tables, setting or clearing them, folding towels, or participating in light dishwashing. These roles provide not only a sense of independence but also a comforting routine, reminiscent of past activities they once did on their own. Integrating these contribution roles into their daily lives not only encourages a supportive environment, but also helps re-establish them in familiar activities. It’s important to understand that people with dementia have difficulties with initiating activity, therefore verbal cues may be necessary to keep them engaged.

• Wiping down tables
• Setting or clearing tables
• Folding towels
• Participating in light dishwashing
• Sorting and organizing household items
• Matching socks or folding laundry
• Arranging flowers in a vase
• Watering indoor plants
• Dusting surfaces
• Setting up a simple snack station
• Assisting in meal preparation
• Sorting mail or magazines
• Coupon cutting
• Pairing shoes or organizing a shoe rack
• Arranging books on a shelf
• Selecting and arranging outfits for the day
• Tidying up personal belongings
• Setting the table for meals or snacks

2. Intellectual stimulation

We must tailor intellectual stimulation to the specific stage of dementia the individual has progressed to. Select activities that strike a balance, offering a challenge without overwhelming their current cognitive abilities. We must also adapt activities to suit their current limitations, this approach can encourage engagement without causing unnecessary frustration or embarrassment.

Early Stages of dementia:

• Trivia Questions
• Word searches
• Crosswords
• Hangman
• Jigsaw puzzles
• Chess/Checkers
• Board games
• Playing cards
• Finish the line (lyrics to songs)
• Match up (actors/actresses to movie titles)
• Matching countries to their flags
• Sudoku
• Memory games
• Picture matching games
• Riddles and brainteasers
• Sorting activities (e.g., sorting objects by colour or category)
• Simple math puzzles
• Reading short stories or excerpts
• Drawing or colouring activities

MOderate stages of dementia

With mild/moderate stage dementia it’s possible the person can still do a lot of the same activities, they may just require further modification or assistance.

• Reading (with large-print books)
• Reminiscing on past events
• Looking through photos and naming people
• Sorting and matching activities (Montessori-inspired)
• Word searches
• Google Earth exploration to revisit familiar areas
• Group discussions or storytelling sessions
• Name-that-tune games
• Simple cooking or baking tasks with clear instructions
• Simple arts and crafts projects
• Board games with simplified rules
• Puzzles with larger, easy-to-handle pieces
• Trivia tailored to their interests
• Drawing or colouring activities
• Memory card games
• Crossword puzzles with simplified clues
• Playing card games with large, easy-to-read cards
• Adaptive games designed for cognitive stimulation
• Engaging in music activities, such as singing familiar songs
• Engaging in light gardening activities or handling sensory objects

Late stages of dementia:

With late stage dementia, individuals may require extensive verbal cuing or physical assistance to participate in intellectually stimulating activities.

• Montessori-based sorting activities with coloured objects
• Reading short, simple stories or poems
• Puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces
• Engaging in reminiscence therapy with old photographs
• Simple call-and-response conversations
• Exploring a memory box filled with familiar items
• Following instruction in light range of motion exercises
• Grabbing and hand-eye coordination exercises

3. Montessori based activities

To effectively implement Montessori activities, it’s essential to consider both the activities themselves and the environment in which they take place. Here’s a comprehensive guide to setting up a conducive Montessori environment:

1. Distraction-Free Zone
   Ensure the space is quiet and free from unnecessary distractions.
2. Ample Room for Movement
   Provide enough space to move freely and comfortably.
3. Organized Activity Stations
   Arrange different activity stations with clear labeling and environmental cues.
4. Accessible Materials
   Make sure materials are easily reachable and visible.
5. Clear Instructions
   Offer simple, clear instructions for each activity.
6. Visual and Tactile Stimulation
   Integrate visual and tactile elements into the environment.
7. Personalized Options
   Present two options for activities, promoting choice.
8. Demonstrate First
   Demonstrate activity before encouraging participation.
9. Adaptability
   Be ready to adapt activities based on individual needs.
10. Focus on Enjoyment
    Emphasize the joy of the activity rather than perfection.

some Examples of Montessori Activities:

1. Colour/Shape/Picture Matching:
   Engage in activities where they match colours, shapes, or pictures, promoting cognitive stimulation.
2. Sorting and Organizing:
   Explore tasks involving sorting or organizing various shapes or colours, enhancing spatial awareness.

Remember, the success of Montessori activities lies not only in the tasks but also in the thoughtful preparation of the environment, with an emphasis on enjoyment.

4. Physical stimulation

Physically stimulating activities are vital to maintaining key elements in our mobility, when we look for physically stimulating activities we try to target these main categories: range of motion, flexibility, strength, balance, endurance, and cardiovascular health, respiratory health.

Early Stage dementia:

• Nature hikes
• Zumba sessions
• Yoga classes
• Gardening
• Short outdoor walks
• Tai chi for beginners
• Dance fitness classes
• Light aerobics
• Group stretching
• Easy cycling

Moderate Stage dementia:

• Seated stretching
• A light stroll
• Modified Zumba
• Wii
• Aquatic therapy
• Low-impact dance
• Seated kickball
• Tai chi
• Mini-golf
• Bowling
• Balloon volleyball

Late Stage dementia:

• Hand massages
• Simple leg exercises
• Beach ball kicking
• Armchair exercises
• Sensory walks
• Seated drumming
• Scarf dancing
• Parachute exercises
• Handheld games
• Gentle arm movements

5. Emotional and social stimulation

Encourage individuals with dementia to participate in social interactions at their comfort level. While large gatherings can be overwhelming, smaller get-togethers and socials provide valuable opportunities for connection. Social stimulation plays an important role in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. Loneliness and detachment can be alleviated through meaningful conversations and social engagement. Here are some examples to enhance social and emotional well-being:

• Coffee mornings with friends
• One-on-one chats with family
• Small group outings to parks
• Reminiscing sessions
• Storytelling circles
• Movie nights with close companions
• Art therapy groups
• Gentle music gatherings
• Poetry reading sessions
• Pet therapy visits
• Cooking or baking together
• Virtual calls with loved ones
• Board game nights
• Nature walks
• Handwritten letters from family
• Listening to favorite songs
• Attending community events

6. Sensory stimulation

In the moderate to late stages of dementia, individuals often benefit from sensory-focused activities to address their evolving needs. As social withdrawal becomes more apparent, incorporating sensory stimulation becomes essential. Sensory activities encompass various aspects:

Auditory Stimulation

• Music playlists tailored to personal preferences
• Engaging with soothing audio books
• Singing sessions with familiar tunes
• Listening to nature sounds

Tactile Stimulation

• Busy aprons with various textures and activities
• Lockbox with different tactile challenges
• Stress balls for tactile engagement
• Soft fabric squares with different textures

Visual Stimulation

• Watching calming television shows or movies
• Bird watching or observing nature through windows
• Setting up a small aquarium with colourful fish
• Experimenting with gentle, changing lights

Smell Stimulation

• Aromatherapy with familiar scents
• Bread making
• Fragrant flowers or herbs

Taste Stimulation

• Taste variations of the same food (apples – granny smith, McIntosh, Honeycrisp)
• Guess that taste
• Engaging in cooking or baking activities

Leave a comment below and tell us some of the ways you try to encourage different types of stimulation!