There are many activities you can do with seniors with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Keeping dementia patients occupied and alert is not only important for their wellbeing but also aids in socialization.

Here are some of the most favorite and successful activities used by caregivers.

1. Ball Roll

The object is to roll a colorful ball across the table to each other.

Get a long table and have the dementia seniors sit around it. When one person’s name is called, have her roll the ball to someone else. This helps dementia seniors with coordination, focus and gives them a fun way to interact with each other. If a dementia senior is having trouble playing, ask other seniors to help him by keeping the ball rolling. This gives the more capable seniors some responsibility and a sense of accomplishment.

2. Bargain Hunter’s Shop and Snip

Give the seniors scissors and newspaper sales ads. Ask them to search for a list of items such as cars, clothes, T.V.’s, etc. Have them cut out each item and place in their own box. The person who finds the most items on the list wins.

This game is excellent because it encourages dementia patients to share their clippings and to help each other as they go down the list. Afterwards, the snipped items can be used for art activities such as the creation of a montage.

3. Memory Game

Encourage the senior to talk about a memory. As the conversation dwindles, keep the thread going by saying "That’s interesting. I want to hear more."

This helps the senior exercise his memory by bringing up recollections that are pleasant and interesting to him.

4. Sorting

Seniors can sort things such as playing cards by suits, checkers, puzzle pieces by color and coins. This game provides hours of busyness and you’re only limited by your creativity. It is also an easy way for visitors such as teens and young people to work and interact with the seniors.

5. Children’s Games

Card games such as Old Maid and Crazy Eight’s are easy and fun for dementia seniors who can still concentrate on a child’s level. You can also bring in games like Candyland and Chutes and Ladders.

6. Animals

Studies are showing seniors love animals and animal visitation programs are growing in popularity across the county. Dogs have always been popular but what about a quiet soft animal like a rabbit? Seniors interact well with an animal and pet therapy helps with loneliness.

Stimulating dementia seniors can be fun and rewarding. There are lots of creative ways you can keep dementia patients’ minds active to help fill up the empty hours with invigorating activities.

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