Meaningful Engagement for People with Dementia

As people grow older, their memory often changes. They might forget where they put their keys or the phone numbers of their friends, but they can recall them later. These are normal, age-related changes that do not disrupt their daily life.

What is Dementia?

The Alzheimer's Association (n.d.) describes dementia as a "general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving, and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life." There are more than 400 different types of dementia, and Alzheimer's is the most common cause. Some are less common, but well-known causes are Vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease. Dementia often affects older adults, but it is not part of the normal aging process.

Meaningful activities for someone with dementia implement the person's strengths and interests and give them a sense of purpose. Activities built on their capability improve their psychological and emotional well-being. Physical activities and activities with repetitive actions can strengthen their daily performance.

If you have ever visited a long-term care facility, you might be aware of its various programs. These can range from a book club, arts and crafts, music, cookie decorating, and exercise. While these are excellent activities, residents might be hesitant to join if they do not match their interests. Care partners at home have an advantage in knowing their loved ones' interests. They can find activities that reassure familiarity and provide comfort for the person with dementia.

Tips for Finding Engaging Activities

Purposeful engagement is possible through simple activities. To determine what activities could be the most meaningful, think of the person's occupation, what they enjoyed doing, and what made them happy. Always adapt activities to fit the person's mobility, communication level, and sensory processing abilities. In their daily routine, include physical (body movement), cognitive (involves thinking), and social activities (interacting with others), but also allow adequate time for relaxing.

Tips to Keep In Mind Before Starting Activities

(Alzheimer's Association, 2019)

• Plan short activities. People with dementia can find it challenging to keep their focus for a long time.
• Think of activities that are stimulating and easy to follow.
• Plan activities that involve easy, repetitive actions and simple steps. Activities with repetitive action are manageable even for a person with advanced dementia.
• Give adequate time between instructions. Wait for the person to complete a step before giving the next instruction.
• Assist if needed, but do not complete the activity for them.
• Pay close attention to their reaction and try not to overstimulate them.
• If the person loses interest, alter the activity, switch to a different one, or take a break.

Remember, it's fine if they might be more interested in doing the activity than getting to the outcome. For example, mixing cookie dough by hand might be a fun and stimulating activity for the individual, but they might not want to be involved in the baking part.

Activities That Can Bring Simple Joy

(Alzheimer's Association, n.d.)

• The smell of morning coffee, flowers, or herbs.
• Tasting favorite foods.
• Eating familiar spices in meals.
• Drinking something cold or warm.
• Listening to traffic noises from the street, farm animal sounds, the ringing of church bells, or their favorite music.
• Singing along to familiar music.
• Reading favorite books.
• Holding hands.
• Touching familiar objects.
• Petting animals.
• Seeing children playing or birds feeding.
• Watching home movies or documentaries from their younger years.
• Looking out the window, watching cars and people go by.
• Car rides to experience seasonal changes.
• Feeling the wind or the warmth of the sun on their skin.
• Exercising, such as going on walks or dancing.
• Helping with simple chores like sweeping, gardening, flower arranging, folding clothes, sorting items, washing cars, and organizing objects.

Some Project Ideas

For reminiscing, create a memory box or a photo album with their favorite objects and pictures. If the person can recall stories related to an object or picture, write them down using their words. This personal testimony can come in handy later when they cannot remember that memory.

Think of ways to include sensory stimulation. Offer items to taste, smell, see, hear, and touch. Use bright colors, playful movements, and funny sounds to catch the attention of the individual.

A Message for Caregivers

Caring for someone with dementia can be very stressful and burdensome, but there are ways to make it rewarding for everyone. The following recommendations from the Alzheimer's Association (n.d.) can help you to make the best of your time with your loved one. Find a convenient time and place that works both for you and the person with dementia. Enjoy these moments spent together rather than trying to finish a task. Keep realistic expectations and be aware of your loved one’s mental condition. Use humor at difficult times to adjust to the many changes in the person and the challenges you face together. Take care of yourself first, so you can have the health and strength to take care of someone else. As dementia progresses, one's ability to communicate and perform declines. Giving them other means to express themselves could help them feel safe and relaxed, and improve their mood, self-esteem, and overall well-being.

References

Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.). What is Dementia?

Alzheimer's Association. (2019 September). Activities at home: Planning the day for a person living with middle- or late-stage dementia [Volunteer Community Educator Booklet]. Alzheimer's Association.

Alzheimer's Association. (n.d.). 50 Activities.