Moderate Dementia

Less than 50 piece puzzles

Less than 20 piece puzzles

BALLOONS

This is likely the cheapest option but so versatile! Tapping balloons and keeping them “up in the air” is an entertaining way to maintain use of your arms or even legs! Whether you kick them or tap them make sure to encourage your loved one to alternate arms and legs in order to work all muscles! However, you choose to play this will definitely keep your loved ones entertained!

Balloons can be used either by themselves or with objects to vary the activity. The addition of flyswatters or pool noodles can extend the range of an individual who can’t move their body enough to participate. As long as they have one able hand they can now reach further and won’t have to lean or twist to play.

Similarly, you can also add objects to target! Attempting to not only tap the balloon but also tap the balloon with precision if tapping is simply too easy. You can utilize empty cardboard boxes to attempt to knock down, or even tap balloons through a hula hoop or other object.

MEMORY BOOKS 

A great way to keep those with dementia entertained is with reminders of their own memories. As dementia progresses it becomes more difficult to identify names of individuals such as children or spouses. Faces can often be perceived as familiar and even if a name cannot be remembered a smile or a simple point to the individual it is clear that they feel some connection to the images. A scrapbook or album style book filled with pictures and notes is a wonderful tool to use to remind your loved ones of great memories.

BONUS: If your loved one is crafty you could involve them in the creation process. You can have them help glue pictures or sort through old photos, involvement comes in many different styles.

EXERCISE

Exercise of both mental and physical can be a great addition to anyone’s daily routine especially those with dementia. For those with Alzheimer’s, it merely begins in the brain and progresses to the body. Additionally, as we age both our minds and bodies become weaker. It is best to incorporate a regular exercise routine early in order to maintain as able as possible. This could be as simple as a walk or marching in place. This can even be done with the addition of ankle or wrist weights for an added challenge. Exercise not only is important for weight loss, but also has many mental benefits as well. Find out more here.

When we think of exercise we often only think of exercising our bodies, but we should also be exercising our brains. Regularly. This could be as simple as a crossword puzzle or word search. Brain exercise can also be implemented by direction following or visual scanning activities. Think of anything that asks your brain to complete a task and then you have to focus to complete it!

We love printables because they can be used over and over again and they are low cost entertainment as well as being good for your brain! 

People with dementia just want to feel included and busy the same way you and I do! So include them in typical daily activities even if it means you have to modify some things or if it takes longer to complete. It’s definitely best to go with their own interests and desires than to try to force them to complete something they don’t want to complete. 

Think about it. When we feel confused and disoriented and someone is attempting to make us do something that we don’t fully understand we can even get frustrated, which may lead to aggressive behaviors. (Tricks for dealing with aggressive behaviors here.) Instead of fighting, go with the flow, If they aren’t interested in puzzles, try a walk. If they feeling a walk, try having them help with the dishes. Being included and participatory goes a long way in both mental health and brain health! 

As always, 

The information you need…Straight UP!!