Activity Ideas for Moderate Stages of Dementia Care
Often in monthly support groups, caregivers lament that they don’t know what to do to pass the time with their loved one or what to give them to keep them busy. Often times they express that they are so exhausted by doing the essentials that they don’t have the ability or energy to be the “activity director” on top of it all.
Coincidentally, there is a general lament that residents in memory care communities seem to be bored or “watching TV all the time” and watching TV is NOT best practice when it comes to quality memory care.
Our goal should always be to offer and invite folks with memory loss to engage in some type of activity that feels age-appropriate, fun, and gives the perception and feeling of success and completion. Ideally, the activity feels purposeful and dignifying.
Below is a first swing at some activities that have been tested and approved either by family members or professional activity staff in a memory care community. Check them out! Because there are so many great options, stay tuned for a Part II for moderate stage engagement.
Note: You may see that there are coloring or painting activities on this list. You may also notice that crayons are not on the list. Adult-looking art pages are fantastic options but crayons lean towards childish so colored pencils are recommended as an alternative.
Adult Coloring Pages
Floral Coloring Book for Seniors
Brain Boosting Coloring Book for Seniors
https://amzn.to/3EGuPqn
Colored Pencils in Metal Box
Art Markers
Reusable AquaPaints
25 Reusable AquaPaints with Pen
Farm Reuable AquaPaints
Coastal Escapes Reusable AquaPaints
Wooden Slide Puzzle
Easy Relaxing Puzzle
Drawer Labels
Matching Game Set
Bubble Word Search
3 Piece Puzzle Set
8 Piece Puzzle Set
Jumbo Deck of Cards
Giant Uno Cards
https://amzn.to/418e5Bp
Playing Card Holder
Guess in 10 Card Game
https://amzn.to/4hOXxDR
Dot to Dot Activities
Shape and Sort Wooden Puzzle
Soft Sensory Item
Wooden Busy Board with Locks
Wooden Geometric Colors and Shapes
100 Uplifting Short Stories
Soft Blue Fidget Book
Soft Stacking Game Star Shaped
Adult Animal Picture Books
Easy Bingo Cards
https://amzn.to/4gAlZrs
Sand Art
Peg Board Puzzle
Purple Silicone Shape Puzzle
Ladder Toss
Flicken Chicken Toss
Basketball Game
Horse Shoes
Carnival Games
Table Shuffle Board
https://amzn.to/4gG6gYg
Exercise Bike
Mini Exercise Machine
Adult Tricycle
Pool Noodles
Slushie Maker for communities
Snow Cone Maker for an individual
Snow Cone Maker for a Community
Snow cone Flavors with Straws
Bread Maker
https://amzn.to/4hSc55T
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.