5 Indoor Activities for Seniors with Dementia
The temperatures are dropping, daytime is shorter, and it’s the optimal time to enter hibernation mode here in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With fall and winter approaching, there may be less motivation to get outdoors. It is recognized that the body temperature of older men and women is significantly lower than younger generations (Blatteis). Therefore, it’s important to layer up, stay cozy, and engage in stimulating recreation indoors for our aging loved ones.
However, there are extra challenges if your family member has a dementia. They may not be able to cognitively engage in certain activities like they used to, such as reading a novel or binging a Netflix series. Therefore, we’ll be sharing 10 fun and meaningful indoor activities for seniors with dementia.
Jigsaw Puzzles
If your relative used to love completing puzzles, large-piece jigsaw puzzles might be for them. The large pieces make it simpler and less complex to complete, giving your loved one a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Have a couple of different large-piece jigsaw puzzles on hand to whip out on a cold, chilly day.
Spa Day
Anyone that has family with dementia understands that grooming and bathing may become an obstacle as the disorder progresses. Sometimes, simply reframing the idea of it to be a “Spa Day” may make the process easier. Set ambiance with candles, a robe, spa music, warm towels fresh out of the dryer, and various spa “treatments.” Treatments could include a face mask, a manicure, a pedicure, you name it! The goal is to create a relaxing, serene environment for your loved one to relax while they are pampered.
Get Active
Do they have restless energy that needs an outlet? Play a low-impact yoga or workout routine to burn some energy and keep those muscles mobile. Searching for “low impact” and “senior exercise” on YouTube will provide you with many free, online recordings to follow along with.
Finger Painting
Finger painting is fantastic because it doesn’t require a paintbrush and anyone can do it. For more dexterous seniors, you can consider utilizing paintbrushes. Spread out a roll of white craft paper on a table and let your loved one’s imagination go wild.
Trip to the Museum
This one does require the outdoors, but it’s only to get to and from the museum and home. Going to a museum or art gallery is excellent stimulation for the mind and you get your steps in at the same time. So it’s a win-win in our book. Some places will have special free or discounted days of the month, so keep an eye out for their calendars to take advantage of the free admission!
In Conclusion
There’s hundreds of activities and ideas for a senior with dementia, but we hope this article was a good jumping off point and gave some inspiration. If you as a caregiver are in need of respite or a break, consider signing your loved one up for an adult day care program. At Mount Olivet Day Services, we have our fair share of indoor activities and recreation for our participants during the Fall and Winter. Reach out to us on our website if you’d like to see our facility!
References
Blatteis C. M. (2012). Age-dependent changes in temperature regulation – a mini review. Gerontology, 58(4), 289–295. https://doi.org/10.1159/000333148