Keeping a Person Living With Dementia Active at Home

Staying active during the day can help a person living with dementia maintain a sense of purpose, independence, and connection. Activities can also provide structure to the day and may help reduce boredom, restlessness, and frustration.

The most successful activities are usually familiar, enjoyable, and matched to the person's current abilities. The goal is not to complete the activity perfectly. What matters most is that the person feels engaged, useful, and successful.

Choosing the Right Activity

When choosing an activity, think about the person's:

• Previous hobbies and interests
• Former job or household responsibilities
• Favorite music, movies, foods, or sports
• Current physical and cognitive abilities
• Time of day when they are most alert
• Mood and energy level that day

Someone who previously enjoyed gardening may enjoy caring for houseplants. A former homemaker may enjoy folding laundry or setting the table. Someone who worked with tools may enjoy sorting safe household objects.

Familiar activities are often more successful than trying to teach a completely new skill.

It is also important to remember that a person with dementia may no longer be able to initiate an activity independently. They may enjoy something once it is started even though they would not think to start it themselves.

Indoor Activities to Try

Household Activities

Simple household tasks can provide an important sense of purpose.

• Fold towels, washcloths, or socks
• Match socks
• Sort silverware
• Set the table
• Organize a drawer
• Sort mail
• Dust furniture
• Wipe the table
• Sweep with a lightweight broom
• Put groceries away
• Prepare a simple snack
• Wash fruits or vegetables
• Sort recycling or other safe household items

These activities may seem like chores, but for someone with dementia they can provide structure, familiarity, and a sense of being useful. Remember the emphasis is not on perfection, and choose activities that are OK if they are done imperfectly (and also give positive reinforcement!).

Music and Reminiscing

Music can be an especially good activity because familiar songs may remain meaningful even as other abilities change.

Try:

• Listening to favorite songs
• Singing along
• Dancing to familiar music
• Looking through old photographs
• Talking about family members
• Looking at old vacation pictures
• Watching familiar movies
• Looking through old magazines
• Talking about former jobs or hobbies

Reminiscing does not need to be a test of memory. Avoid correcting the person if they remember something incorrectly. The goal is connection and enjoyment, not factual accuracy.

Familiar music, photographs, stories, and objects can help stimulate conversation and support a person's sense of identity.

Arts and Crafts

Choose activities that are simple enough to allow success.

• Coloring
• Painting
• Drawing
• Simple crafts
• Sticker books
• Making greeting cards
• Decorating cookies
• Arranging artificial flowers
• Simple seasonal decorations
• Playing with modeling clay

If a complicated craft becomes frustrating, simplify it. For example, instead of asking the person to complete an entire project, have them sort the materials, place stickers, or choose between two colors.

Games and Puzzles

Games should be adapted to the person's abilities.

Try:

• Large-piece puzzles
• Matching games
• Bingo
• Dominoes
• Simple card games
• Sorting playing cards by color or suit
• Large-print word searches
• Simple board games

Be flexible with the rules if it's a two-player game. If the person becomes frustrated, the activity is probably too difficult. Make it easier rather than insisting that they finish.

Plants and Gardening

Gardening can be adapted for indoor use:

• Water houseplants
• Remove dead leaves
• Arrange flowers
• Put flowers in a vase
• Plant seeds in small containers
• Sort gardening supplies
• Look at gardening magazines
• Talk about plants they used to grow

Sensory and Calming Activities

When someone is restless or overstimulated, activities don't necessarily need to be mentally challenging.

Consider:

• Listening to calming or familiar music
• Looking through photographs
• Folding soft towels
• Using a fidget blanket or activity mat
• Hand massage with lotion
• Handling familiar fabrics
• Brushing or petting a familiar animal, when safe
• Sitting together and talking

For someone with more advanced dementia, sensory and repetitive activities may be more appropriate than puzzles or games.

Make Activities Easier

A few simple changes can make a major difference.

Instead of:
"Why don't you find something to do?"

Try:
"Would you like to fold these towels or look at your pictures?"

Rather than giving several instructions at once, give one step at a time.

For example:

"Here are the towels."

Then:

"Can you fold this one?"

You may need to demonstrate the first step.

Keep materials visible and easily accessible. Someone with dementia may forget that an activity is available if it is stored out of sight.

Don't Try to Fill Every Minute

A common mistake is trying to keep a person with dementia constantly occupied.

People with dementia also need quiet time, rest, meals, and periods of doing nothing. The Alzheimer's Association recommends balancing activities with adequate rest and adjusting the schedule according to the person's needs.

If an Activity Doesn't Work

Don't assume that an activity failed because the person “can't do it.” They may simply be having a bad day, when due to pain, fatigue, or other reasons. Try simplifying the activity, changing the time of day, or offering something different.

The person's enjoyment is more important than whether they complete the task.

A Good Rule

Do the activity with the person, rather than doing it for them.

Even if they only complete part of the task, allowing them to participate can help preserve independence and dignity.

Helpful Resources

• National Institute on Aging: Adapting Activities for People With Alzheimer's Disease — Practical ideas for activities at home, including cooking, music, gardening, household chores, exercise, and social activities.
• Alzheimer's Association: Daily Care Plan — Guidance on creating a daily routine and balancing activities with rest.
• Alzheimer's Association: Activities to Enjoy With Someone Who Has Alzheimer's or Dementia — Additional activity ideas for people in different stages of dementia.
• Alzheimer's Association: Reminiscence and Reminiscence Therapy — Ideas for using photographs, music, stories, and familiar objects to promote connection.
• National Institute on Aging: Alzheimer's Caregiving Resources — Broader information about caring for someone living with dementia.