Caring for someone with dementia can feel like navigating an unpredictable journey, but the little moments of connection make all the difference. Whether you’re wondering what to do with dementia patients or looking for things to help dementia patients, finding activities that engage their senses and spark joy can be incredibly rewarding. 

In this guide, I’ll share 101 things to do with dementia patients—a mix of simple, meaningful activities that can brighten their day and provide a sense of purpose. No matter the stage of dementia, these ideas are meant to keep your loved one engaged, while also offering you some much-needed support and peace of mind. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!

Cognitive Stimulation

• Memory Games – Use picture cards or a family photo album.
• Puzzle Solving – Use simple jigsaw puzzles or word search books.
• Crossword Puzzles – Easy ones that are tailored to their level.
• Sorting Activities – Sorting objects by color, shape, or size.
• Trivia Questions – Ask questions about their favorite decade or childhood.
• Matching Games – Match pictures, objects, or cards.
• Name the Object – Show pictures of familiar objects and ask for identification.
• Storytelling – Help them tell stories from their life or create new ones.
• Rhyme Time – Play rhyming games or sing rhyming songs.
• Find the Difference – Show two pictures and ask what’s different.

Physical Activities

• Gentle Stretching – Easy stretches or yoga.
• Chair Exercises – Simple movements like arm raises or leg lifts while seated.
• Walking Together – A stroll in a safe area, preferably outdoors.
• Ball Toss – Toss a soft ball back and forth.
• Dance to Music – Play their favorite songs and have a gentle dance.
• Gardening – Potting plants or working with flowers.
• Tennis with a Balloon – Tap a balloon back and forth gently.
• Water Aerobics – If accessible, do light water exercises.
• Tactile Activities – Play with textured materials like fabric or sand.
• Baking Together – Simple baking or decorating cookies.

Creative Activities

• Painting or Drawing – Use markers, watercolors, or crayons.
• Clay Modeling – Mold playdough or clay into simple shapes.
• Collage Making – Create collages from old magazines.
• Finger Painting – Fun and simple, tactile activity.
• Crafts – Simple paper crafts like cutting shapes, gluing, or folding paper.
• Scrapbooking – Help them create a scrapbook with photos and memorabilia.
• Knitting or Crocheting – If they enjoy it, work on simple projects.
• Make Jewelry – String beads or create bracelets.
• Photography – Take pictures of nature, family, or pets.
• Making Cards – Create greeting cards for family or special occasions.

Sensory Activities

• Aromatherapy – Introduce calming scents like lavender or citrus.
• Listening to Music – Play music from their youth or songs they love.
• Massage – Gentle hand or foot massage.
• Touch and Feel Boxes – Boxes filled with various textures for tactile exploration.
• Watching Birds or Wildlife – Set up a bird feeder outside for them to watch.
• Watering Plants – Let them care for indoor plants.
• Tactile Fabric – Different fabrics for them to touch (silk, wool, cotton).
• Cooking or Baking – Smelling different spices or foods.
• Bubble Blowing – Blow bubbles and watch them float.
• Scented Play – Use essential oils or scented candles safely.

Social Activities

• Memory Lane Conversations – Discuss old memories and family history.
• Playing Cards – Simple card games like Go Fish or Old Maid.
• Board Games – Games like Checkers or Dominoes.
• Watching Family Videos – Show old home movies or family videos.
• Sharing Family Photos – Look through family albums together.
• Playing Bingo – With pictures, rather than numbers, for easier recognition.
• Attending a Social Club – Find a dementia-friendly group or support group.
• Cultural Outings – Visit a museum or art gallery (if they’re able to).
• Tea Party – Set up a tea party with their favorite snacks and drinks.
• Having a Pet Visit – If they enjoy animals, arrange for pet therapy.

Mindfulness & Relaxation

• Breathing Exercises – Gentle, deep breathing exercises for calmness.
• Guided Meditation – Relaxing, guided visualizations or mindfulness sessions.
• Nature Walks – Slow walks in a park or garden.
• Sensory Gardens – Visit or create a sensory garden to stimulate all five senses.
• Gentle Stretching – Relaxing stretches to reduce stress.
• Soothing Music – Calming classical or instrumental music.
• Bird Watching – Observe birds, and listen to their songs.
• Massage with Aromatherapy Oils – Lavender or other calming oils.
• Sunshine and Fresh Air – Take advantage of nice weather for some outside time.
• Resting Time – Sometimes, just sitting together and relaxing is the best activity.

Cognitive Engagement

• Read Books Aloud – Read short stories or books to them.
• Talk About Current Events – Keep it light and positive.
• Engage in Simple Problem Solving – Ask them to solve a riddle or puzzle.
• Counting Activities – Count objects, beads, or steps together.
• Drawing or Writing Letters – Help them write a letter to a loved one.
• Create a Memory Box – Collect items that remind them of happy times.
• Play ‘I Spy’ – Find objects around the room or outside.
• Nostalgic Games – Games like charades or 20 questions with familiar themes.
• Word Association Games – Say a word and ask them to respond with the first word they think of.
• Guess the Song – Play snippets of old songs and ask them to identify it.

Art and Nature Exploration

• Nature Walks – Explore a park or garden together.
• Visit a Farmer’s Market – Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of a market.
• Paint or Color with Nature Materials – Paint leaves or flowers.
• Leaf Rubbings – Place a leaf under a piece of paper and rub with crayon.
• Create a Bird Feeder – Make a simple bird feeder using peanut butter and seeds.
• Stargazing – If possible, sit outside and look at the night sky.
• Shell Collecting – Collect shells on the beach or from a sensory box.
• Create a Nature Collage – Glue leaves, flowers, and twigs onto paper.
• Watercolor Painting – Soft, simple painting with watercolor.
• Plant a Small Garden – Plant simple flowers or herbs.

Routine and Structure

• Establish a Daily Routine – Predictable, comforting routines.
• Help with Household Tasks – Fold laundry, set the table, or arrange flowers.
• Cooking Together – Involve them in simple tasks like stirring or washing veggies.
• Set a Regular Time for Tea or Coffee – Have a daily tea/coffee time.
• Encourage Hygiene Tasks – Brush teeth together or comb hair.
• Organize Drawers Together – Tidy up drawers or shelves.
• Create a “Memory Wall” – A place to display photos, mementos, or notes.
• Track the Date – Use a calendar and help them mark important events.
• Create a Routine Chart – Visual cues for the daily schedule.
• Remind of Family and Friends – Use pictures or videos to help them connect.

Technology-Based

• Video Calls with Family – Arrange for virtual visits with loved ones.
• Digital Photo Frames – Display a rotating set of family pictures.
• Digital Games – Tablet apps for memory and cognitive stimulation.
• Virtual Museum Tours – Explore museums virtually from the comfort of home.
• Simple Digital Music Apps – Play old favorites or relaxing sounds.
• Video Memory Games – Use digital puzzles or games that are easy to navigate.
• Interactive TV Shows – Some shows are designed to engage seniors with cognitive challenges.
• Photo Slideshows – Set up a slideshow of family pictures on a screen.
• Use Virtual Reality (VR) – If appropriate, some VR games offer calming experiences.
• Audiobooks or Podcasts – Play them while you spend time together.

Spiritual & Reflective Activities

• Prayer or Meditation Time – If they are religious or spiritual, engage in prayer or quiet reflection together.

Get Started Today with Finding Homecare LLC 

Caring for someone with dementia can be tough, but it’s also very rewarding. If you’re looking for ways to connect with your loved one, 101 Things to Do with Dementia Patients offers many ideas. From fun memory games to simple stretches and calming activities, there’s something for everyone.

Before starting new activities, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you choose what’s best for your loved one’s needs. With a little creativity and patience, you can make a real difference in their life—and yours.

Start today and make those small moments count!