Activities for Alzheimer's and Dementia Patients

I think the Boa books were recommended because they both have older people in the stories and because they lead to discussion and are colorful. Picture books are good for some dementia patients because while they can still read, they cannot maintain in their memory the words they have read to have it make sense (reading comprehension). They also may quit watching movies because they cannot follow what has happened in the story. The rest of the books were age appropriate. You can always select what is appropriate for your loved one.

Why would you ever read kindergarten books to adults, unless you were reading picture books to them that they may have read to their children, or read as children? I am referencing The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash, and any other similar books. And that only as part of a structured program, not as the whole program itself. The first rule of activities for those with Alzheimer's is treat them like adults. Linda Bailey CTRS

I currently work on a challenging all male dementia ward,where some are either Immobile or others pace the corridors looking for something tearing up books or throwing items,is there anything you can suggest to occupy them?

Plz help My mom just tears up everything she gets her hands on Books etc I need an activity to help her to occupy her time She is 88 gotten worse over last yr Still knows immediate family members Stays at home and I have a caregiver while I work My dad 90 not well also O2 24/7 Any suggestions? My patience run thin Only child and I am trying so hard, but wish I could think of something for my mom to do

I am just learning. It is my third month as an activity aide and just love it. would like to find information of different pictures I can play from my computer to the projector. I would like to start conversations with the residents about what they think they are doing in the pictures a what is happening.

On the Internet? Best Alzheimer's Products has some great articles about the importance of Activity for people with dementia.

What an excellent list. I'm sharing these on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Thank you.

You can combine the idea of scrapbooking and making a memory book by creating a LifeSongs memory book. It can be an activity for early stage dementia and a tool for Alzheimer's care for late stage dementia. It combines photo collages and 12 musical recordings (that you record depending on the person's favorites) in order to tell their life story. It is used for reminiscing, redirecting and calming negative behaviors. Please visit www.LifeSongs.info to learn more.

why do people with dementia need picture books and what happens if it is not met

Very helpful information

Are there purchasable activities (puzzles, etc) that I can send my sister who is a dementia patient at the Naval Retirement home?

Sometimes you hit on the thing or things that help more than even imaginable. My sisters and i found that mom loves coloring. It gives her peace when she is not out of the house doing something. She seeks approval and when coloring we are able to tell her r how beautiful her pictures are.. and they are!

This info is very helpful thanx

Hi There, I am a singer/pianist who entertains at Assisted Living Facilities and Alzheimer's Outreach Centres in Southern Ontario daily. I see the most unresponsive patients react to the music when I start to play. It is always such a nice feeling to see a person who is greatly afflicted with Alzheimer's or Dementia to brighten and smile when I play an old song that perhaps brings some kind of happy memory to them.

I think my mother might be father along. She can sill read. With a lot of help, large piece puzzels. It's hard to explain. She seems physically fit, but her hands hurt. She forget's too easily to do cooking. She can help set the table. All she wants to do is eat, read and (sometimes) walk. She no longer takes Aricept. She's on Paxil since my dad died last year. It has helped with her violent outbursts. I really don't know what to do anymore. Just live.

It was a helpful article to me. No changes necessary.

I am trying to find activities for my husband who has dementia, but is still pretty functional; but has never had any hobbies except listening to music; so I am just looking for ideas and suggestions to help him pass the time.

i work in a Alzheimer's and Dementia care home and at the momant i am a carera for them but i got a job intervow has activies co in the same care home nexts turseday so thank u for tsome iders x

Thanks for the great idea.

My grandfather has dementia, and we're looking for a CD player. Headphones/earbuds are not an option. We're looking for something VERY simple, with a limited number of buttons. Any ideas?

I thought someone mentioned caring for a blind woman with moderate geriatric dementia, I don't see any suggestions for elderly blind patients with failing memory?

My beautiful Mother has always been very active. Now she struggles to maintain some kind of normal lifestyle. My husband and I are doing everything we can to give her the quality of life she so deserves. So we will do some of the activities listed above as I know she will enjoy them. Thank You.

I take care of a woman with moderate dementia and she is blind. Can you recomend any activities that would be suitible for her?

A variety of ideas using things you already know or have around the house.

Good information. A week ago today, we moved my mom into our home, having had a bad experience with a dementia care unit in an assisted living facility. I wanted ideas for activities that maintain her dignity and don't put her on the same level as my 3 year old granddaughter. Your article provided just that. Thank you.

thanks so much, this helps a lot, I have made a list and going out to get some of this stuff for my dad.

Thanks so much for all the great ideas!

Thanks so much for the great ideas! :)

These are priceless! Thank you! I provide group therapy in an intensive out-patient therapy program with these wonderful people. Now I have so many more great ideas! Shelly, LCSW Albany, Georgia

Great ideas. Thank you so much! I'll put these into use with my very elderly grandmother.

Thanks for the long list of things to try. I too have found that some activities they use to enjoy are avoided because they can't do it as well as they use to. Self-respect is an important area to consider. I am glad if a new activity hold attention for even a short period of time - it's better than just sitting and obsessing over the 'empty-day'.

Iam looking for activites for the care home i work in, and this has given me many ideas i hope to put some of them into practice. If there are any other ideas i would appreciate them, i will let you know how we got on. Thank you

lots of good ideas, thanks

I have found that my clients with Dementia find it painful to reminisce when looking through old photo albums. One, because they don't like to remember what they looked like and two, because they might have lost loved ones either due to moving or death. And thirdly, because they can't remember the people in the photos which gives them anxiety or pressure to remember. In my experience, the feel more depressed as a result.

Looking for a suitable quiz to entertain Alzheimer patients....or more than one! Was hoping your experience m ight have a few successful ones we might use here in Scotland d

This is great ! My brother and sisters and I are caring for my mother. It offered some nice ideas.

This web site is great. I got great ideas. I've been going to a seminar on alzheimer and alot of this we went over and it's great info for those who need the info and support. Keep up the great work.