Activity Ideas for Those in the Late Stages of Dementia
Below is our first attempt at gathering some ideas for both family members and memory care communities when it comes to activity ideas for those in the later stages of dementia. It is important to remember that your main focus in activities for these folks is interacting with the five senses: taste, touch, smell, sight, and sound. This is no longer the time for trivia, critical thinking, brain-storming, or even using our voices or conversation, if that is no longer possible. Surrounding loved ones with good feeling, sounding, smelling, and tasting things brings them to a beautiful and rich quality of life. For some it is hard to navigate what thriving truly looks like at this stage and it is helpful to remember that any response - from a touch to a smile is considered success and valuable.
As a reminder, one thing may not work every time. It is important to have a tool-belt of ideas always available. Interests, tastes, and sensations change frequently during late stages so we have to be flexible and role with the changes. Having an activity closet filled with options may be our best bet to making every day a good day.
Sensory Pillow - touch
Sensory Item - touch
Fidget Blanket/Book - touch
Soft Light Blanket - touch
Weighted Lap Blanket - touch
Sound Machine - sound
Fidget Toy Relish - touch
Soft Shape Puzzles - touch
Joy For All Cat - touch and sound
Joy For All Dog - touch and sound
Perfect Petzzz Dog - touch and sound
Mini Cat - touch
Perfect Petzzz Calico Cat - touch and sound
Walker Squawker Birds - sound and touch
Lifelike Baby-doll Girl - touch
Baby-dolls can be a bit controversial in the arena of dementia care. Not all individuals will benefit from the interaction with lifelike baby-dolls. They may be source of joy and happiness as well as comfort. If they become something other than that (stress, responsibility, anxiety, etc.) then they are no longer appropriate. In addition, some communities would prefer “childlike” items not be present as it diminishes dignity. There is no wrong answer. Just be aware that there is a whole spectrum of thought on the use of baby-dolls in memory care communities. If baby-dolls are used, it important to use one that is the most real-life looking and having a weight to it so it feels lifelike.
Lifelike Baby-doll Boy
Baby Blankets - touch. If a baby-doll is used, it is important to have additional items that are included in care for the baby, including blankets.
Baby Bassinet - touch. If baby-dolls are used, it is important to have a place to put them so that those living with memory care can have peace of mind that they are comfortable, napping, or resting while they move on with their day for meals, activities, etc. Knowing the baby is safe will allow them to feel comfortable leaving the baby for other engagements.
Colored wash clothes for folding and sorting activity - touch & purposeful activity. Folding laundry is a very well known activity that comes naturally to most adults. When asked to help fold the wash clothes, there is a sense of purpose, pride, and it is very much an age-appropriate activity to fold and sort these soft clothes. We recommend that memory community purchase several packages of these and set aside a plastic bin with just these items so they can be pulled out easily for engagement and redirection.
Northern Light Projector - sight. If/when everyone is safely seated, this northern light/star experience can be relaxing and entertaining! Please note that you want to make sure that all lights are on if/when individuals start to walk around to avoid any fall risks. This is also a great tool to bring a sense of calm to someone that may be overstimulated.
Bread Maker - smell
Bread Mix for Bread Maker - Sourdough - smell & taste
Italian Herb Bread Mix - smell and taste
Brownie Mix - smell and taste
Lemon Cake - smell and taste
Cinnamon Coffee Cake - smell and taste
DoTerra Essential Oils - smell
DoTerra Starter Kit (3 ct) - smell
Essential Oil Carrier Oil - touch and smell. Mix your favorite essential oil with this carrier oil and have a soothing experience of beautiful smell and the power of touch
https://amzn.to/42fDF7W
Diffuser - smell. Use your favorite essential oil and make your home smell energizing, relaxing, calm, etc. Diffusing essential oils is a wonderfully safe way to bring a fresh scent into a home without using candles, which can be a safety risk.
Lavender Lotion - touch and smell
Aveeno Lavender Lotion - smell and touch
Sweet Citrus Lotion - smell and touch
Kid Safe Lavender Soap - touch and smell. It may seem a bit odd at first to have kid-safe items in this list but it is very intentional. A major part of dementia is that a person may not understand the meaning of things, including soaps, detergents, etc. We want to make sure that we are using kid-safe products so that if a person uses these products in non-traditional ways, it is still safe for them.
https://amzn.to/3FDAjmo
Kid Safe Hand Soap - touch and smell. It may seem a bit odd at first to have kid-safe items in this list but it is very intentional. A major part of dementia is that a person may not understand the meaning of things, including soaps, detergents, etc. We want to make sure that we are using kid-safe products so that if a person uses these products in non-traditional ways, it is still safe for them.
Squishy Fidget Toy - touch and vision
https://amzn.to/4izK6Zd
Calming Liquid Bubbler - vision
Rubber Ropes - touch and vision. One of the best rules of thumb when it comes to activities for those in later stages is that there is no wrong way. You always want somone to feel successful and accomplished, no matter what the activity is. This rope activity is a perfect example of no-wrong-move.
Liquid Floor Tiles - touch and vision. While we recommend using these only on table tops and desks, these tiles can be relaxing and perfect for gentle small movements.
S&S Activity Busy Pillow - touch. Keep hands busy and purposeful!
Magnet Tiles - touch and vision. These magnet tiles are another great example of no-wrong-way to arrange and design. Because they are magnetic, even small movements can make someone feel successful in building something.
Musical Instruments - sound and touch
Relish Radio - sound and touch. Music is such a powerful tool in late stages of dementia. Uploading all of their favorites in a very user-friendly tool like this radio is perfection. Win. Win.
Music Player Red - sound
https://amzn.to/4iA5gX7
Full Disclosure: These items are linked to an Amazon Affiliate page and a tiny portion of sales from these links is given to Dragonfly Senior Navigation Services LLC.