In The Basket

The following are some ideas about how to interact with your loved one who may have Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, Confusion or any other form of cognitive decline. I have titled it “In the Basket” because I would offer a basket of items that are similar to the list for clients and, as well, the basket keeps things in one place where your loved one can access them safely and easily. As with any activity, they can be done together or encourage interaction with grandchildren, or individually.

Word Search Book

  • Find words together

  • Talk and reminisce about the theme of the page

  • Use different coloured highlighters to mark the words

Colouring Pages & Pencil Crayons

  • Encourage creativity and expression with colour

  • Put on relaxing music and make the experience special

  • Remember there are no mistakes when it comes to art! It’s all good!

Clothespins and Clips

  • Have clothespins in a container where they can be clipped to the edges

  • Encourage your loved one to clip and unclip them from the edges, sort colours or use in other creative ways you can think of

  • Great exercise for the hands

  • Use right and left hands for mobility and dexterity of the hands

  • Encourages hand-eye coordination

  • Can you create a snake?

Nail Files

  • Filing nails and nail care can be a nice emotional bond with your loved one

  • Holding hands connects us together

  • Men and women, both, enjoy the result of nice smooth nails

Sort the Jelly Beans

  • Sort and count the different colour of the jelly beans

  • Use small bowls or plates to sort

  • Count and compare each colour

  • Taste each colour… are they the same or different

  • Enjoy and share the sweetness and reminisce about Jelly Beans or your favourite candy

Flash Cards

  • Look at the picture and figure out what it is

  • What else is interesting about the photo – colours, size, associations

  • Do you have any personal memories attached to the items… reminisce and share

  • Dollar-type stores often have math flash cards, spelling cards, rhyming cards, travel cards, trivia cards and more that are inexpensive and interesting

Dice Game

  • I call this game “Little Yahtzee”, though it has nothing to do with it’s namesake

  • 10 discs numbered 1-10; 2 dice; cup to hold the pieces and roll dice if desired

  • Object of the game is to score as small a number as possible

  • Numbers can be randomly set up or in a line (setting up the numbers is an activity in itself)

  • Roll the dice and take away the disc(s) that is the number or add up to the number from the number of discs available. The player continues to roll the dice until discs are not available to take away. Hint: take the highest numbers first so that your leftover score is lower. If you want, keep score and play until there has been enough play. (Suggestion to roll dice in a contained area like a shoe box lid)

There are many ways in which ‘normal’ activities can become cognitive stimulation and create conversation and inclusion for someone with cognitive decline or confusion…. Here are some suggestions in which your loved one can be included in helpful chores or familiar activities. With some direction and encouragement, your loved one may continue to contribute to daily tasks. Use YOUR imagination and see what you can do together!

  • Sort laundry (before and after it is washed) and fold clean laundry

  • Set the table

  • Talk and reminisce about meals, special occasions, family and friends - use photos and name the people in the photo vs asking who they are

  • Help with meal preparation: peel potatoes, tear up lettuce, discuss recipes and ‘the way’ we usually prepare things

  • Read to grandchildren… or have grandchildren read to you

  • Write a thank you letter to someone today… who or what are you grateful for today?

  • Sweep the floor

  • Clean/wipe off the counter or table after meals

  • Wash the dishes and help put dishes away

  • Put on favourite music and sing, sway or dance together

  • Allow choice is what clothes or accessories to wear each day

  • Simplify familiar card games by laying the cards on the table or talking about each move

Though confusion and cognitive decline is life altering for everyone involved, having a bit more understanding, compassion, love, patience and creativity are important to keep in mind. Try to keep an attitude that behaviours displayed are the result of disease process and not your loved one.

Denise is a Therapeutic Recreationist specializing in Dementia Care

Recreation Therapy, Elder CareDenise Sukkaurecreation therapy, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, activities for seniors, seniors