November and December are the most wonderful time of the year, as families and friends get together to celebrate Thanksgiving and the holiday season. But for people living with dementia and their caregivers, the holidays can be a stressful occasion. Fortunately, there is a large variety of stimulating activities for people with dementia that can help mitigate their symptoms, and even allow loved ones to have fun.
Whether you are a family caregiver of a person living with dementia, or a home health care worker, here are stimulating activities for people with dementia that can help them have a good time during this season.
Put up holiday decorations together
Decorating the house with boughs of holly is a great way to kick off the holidays. It’s also a time-honored tradition that the person living with dementia will surely enjoy. Before starting, it’s good to take note of materials that might be unsafe or overstimulating.
When picking lights, for example, it’s best to go with those that don’t blink, as they might be disorienting for the person. Getting them to help with putting up the Christmas tree can also be a lot of fun, but make sure to use non-fragile decorations, ensure that the tree is stable, and help them out when putting ornaments on areas that might be out of their reach.
In addition, ensure that the floor is clear so that the person does not trip on any decorations or boxes that might be lying around.
Sing or dance along to a playlist of Christmas classics
Dementia may result in progressive memory loss and impairment. However, studies show that people living with the disease can still retain memories of music. Moreover, playing music has been shown to reduce agitation, as well as improve their mood.
Playing old Christmas classics and singing along to their favorite songs can be very stimulating activities for people with dementia. Paired with dance therapy, music can also contribute towards reducing anxiety, promoting self-expression and self-awareness, and encouraging social interaction.
Watch classic Christmas movies
Like listening to music and browsing photos, watching classic holiday movies is one of these stimulating activities for people with dementia that encourages positive reminiscence. Many holiday films have simple plots and comedic or musical elements. These types can still be enjoyed by people with cognitive impairments or difficulties with memory. Joygage has a curated selection of films for people living with dementia and their caregivers to choose from. For seniors who are easily overwhelmed, movies can be a good break from the chaos of holiday get-togethers.
Look at old photos and videos
A person living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease might have difficulty remembering recent events due to short-term memory loss. However, they might still be able to clearly recall past memories. Studies show that reminiscence can even protect them against depression and loneliness. It could also help them define their identity in the current moment.
Bring out old photo albums and Christmas cards to jog their memory. Or, scan and upload photos to a digital album. Joygage’s Memories feature stores photos so they can have something that they can easily access on their device.
Admire neighbors’ holiday decorations on a walk
Light exercises like stretching and walks are good forms of stimulating activities for people with dementia. Is the weather outside is nice enough for a walk? put on your best winter wear with the senior in your life and take a walk around the neighborhood. Check out your neighbor’s holiday decorations and enjoy the sunshine. If they aren’t prone to overstimulation, take them to a nearby shopping area or park to enjoy the sights.
Cook up a feast
Cooking and getting involved in holiday dinner preps can be fun and cognitively stimulating activities for people with dementia! Of course, it’s a good idea to divide tasks accordingly. Delegate tasks that might require cutting or working with heat to another person. You could, however, get them involved in tasks such as assembling salads, mixing pre-cut ingredients, or putting toppings on a pizza before it’s placed in the oven.
It’s also best to have someone else handle fragile objects like plates and glasses, but you can get them involved in decorating the dinner table for the holidays.
Involve their grandchildren in activities
Dementia does not have to hinder grandparents living with dementia and their grandchildren from forming a close bond. If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, they may still be able to cook or bake simple recipes. Ask them to teach a child how to prepare simple meals or snacks. They might also be able to enjoy watching movies together or doing arts and crafts.
For more ideas around dementia-friendly activities during the holidays, sign up with Joygage today! Enjoy your FREE 30-day subscription by registering with the code PURPLEPOWER.