101 Things To Do With Someone With Dementia

Caregiver Resources & Support

June 15, 2023

101 Activities to Do with Dementia Patients

Engaging activities can greatly enhance the quality of life for individuals with dementia. Here is a comprehensive list of 101 activities that you can enjoy with your loved one.

  1. Listen to Music: Play their favorite songs.
  2. Sing Together: Sing familiar songs.
  3. Watch Old Movies: Pick their favorite classics.
  4. Read Aloud: Share books, stories, or poems.
  5. Look Through Photo Albums: Discuss old photos.
  6. Coloring: Use coloring books and crayons.
  7. Do a Puzzle: Choose puzzles with large pieces.
  8. Play Simple Card Games: Go Fish or War.
  9. Bake Cookies: Simple recipes are best.
  10. Garden Together: Plant flowers or vegetables.
  11. Water the Plants: Indoor or outdoor plants.
  12. Bird Watching: Set up a bird feeder and watch.
  13. Take a Walk: Gentle walks in a park.
  14. Do Gentle Exercises: Chair yoga or stretching.
  15. Dance: Dance to their favorite tunes.
  16. Paint: Use watercolors or acrylics.
  17. Do Crafts: Make simple crafts together.
  18. Arrange Flowers: Create floral arrangements.
  19. Watch Nature Videos: Calming nature scenes.
  20. Pet Therapy: Spend time with a pet.
  21. Cook a Simple Meal: Involve them in meal prep.
  22. Have a Picnic: In the backyard or a park.
  23. Knitting or Crocheting: Simple patterns.
  24. Play with Clay: Shape and mold clay.
  25. Look at Travel Brochures: Discuss places.
  26. Sort Buttons: By color or size.
  27. Fold Laundry: Towels or clothes.
  28. Make a Collage: Using magazine cutouts.
  29. Tell Stories: Share family history.
  30. Watch Sports: Their favorite games.
  31. Do a Scavenger Hunt: Simple items to find.
  32. Massage Hands: With lotion.
  33. Brush Hair: Gentle and soothing.
  34. Play with a Toy Train Set: Set up tracks.
  35. Watch Animal Videos: Cute and calming.
  36. String Beads: Make jewelry.
  37. Sort Coins: By denomination.
  38. Make a Memory Box: Fill with special items.
  39. Do Origami: Simple folding projects.
  40. Visit a Museum: Virtual tours are available.
  41. Make Homemade Playdough: Fun to create and use.
  42. Listen to Audiobooks: Favorite stories.
  43. Have a Tea Party: With fancy cups.
  44. Decorate Cookies: Use icing and sprinkles.
  45. Sew Simple Projects: Hand-sewing tasks.
  46. Write Letters: To friends or family.
  47. Make a Vision Board: Use magazine images.
  48. Create a Family Tree: Chart family members.
  49. Play with Building Blocks: Simple constructions.
  50. Do Simple Science Experiments: Safe and fun.
  51. Feed Ducks at a Pond: If nearby.
  52. Make Scrapbooks: With photos and notes.
  53. Watch Fireworks Videos: Colorful displays.
  54. Do Hand Clapping Games: Simple rhythms.
  55. Make Potpourri: With dried flowers.
  56. Play with Bubbles: Blowing and catching.
  57. Have a Costume Day: Dress up for fun.
  58. Do Finger Painting: Messy but fun.
  59. Create Sand Art: Using colored sand.
  60. Make Bird Feeders: Simple DIY projects.
  61. Collect Leaves: Press and preserve them.
  62. Paint Rocks: Decorate with designs.
  63. Do Word Searches: Simple puzzles.
  64. Make Paper Mâché: Create and paint.
  65. Play Balloon Volleyball: Gentle and fun.
  66. Do Simple Woodworking: Safe projects.
  67. Make Greeting Cards: For holidays or birthdays.
  68. Play with Puppets: Create stories together.
  69. Use a Sensory Box: Fill with interesting items.
  70. Visit a Local Park: Enjoy nature.
  71. Make Ice Cream Sundaes: Choose toppings.
  72. Do Simple Math Games: Counting or sorting.
  73. Create a Time Capsule: Bury for future discovery.
  74. Listen to Rain Sounds: Relaxing and soothing.
  75. Make a Quilt: Simple patchwork.
  76. Write a Short Story: Together.
  77. Have a Spa Day: Manicures or facials.
  78. Play Dominoes: Simple rules.
  79. Do Shadow Puppets: With a flashlight.
  80. Play I Spy: Simple observation game.
  81. Make Homemade Cards: For different occasions.
  82. Create a Nature Journal: Document findings.
  83. Do Facial Exercises: Fun and silly.
  84. Make a Fort: With blankets and pillows.
  85. Practice Deep Breathing: Relaxing exercise.
  86. Watch Cartoons: Classic favorites.
  87. Make Homemade Slime: Fun texture.
  88. Do Chair Tai Chi: Gentle movements.
  89. Create Art with Stamps: Use ink and paper.
  90. Play Musical Chairs: Simple version.
  91. Do Armchair Travel: Watch travel videos.
  92. Make Fruit Salad: Simple and healthy.
  93. Do Sensory Painting: Use different textures.
  94. Watch Old TV Shows: Nostalgic programs.
  95. Do Yarn Wrapping: Around objects.
  96. Make a Paper Chain: For decoration.
  97. Listen to Classical Music: Calming and enjoyable.
  98. Create a Book of Quotes: Favorite sayings.
  99. Do Easy Crosswords: Simple clues.
  100. Play with Wind Chimes: Listen and enjoy.
  101. Have a Storytelling Session: Share tales.

These activities can provide joy, engagement, and comfort to those with dementia, helping them stay connected and active. At ONELIFE Senior Living, we understand the importance of meaningful activities and offer a range of options to suit the needs of our residents. Contact us to learn more about how we can support you and your loved one.

We're Here To Help

Caring for a loved one with dementia requires patience, understanding, and a variety of engaging activities to manage daily challenges. By incorporating creative, physical, and sensory-stimulating activities, you can enhance their quality of life and create meaningful moments together. At ONELIFE Senior Living, we offer comprehensive dementia care services designed to support both residents and their families. Our dedicated team is committed to providing personalized care and a stimulating environment. Contact us today to learn more about our communities and how we can assist you and your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our communities and how we can support you and your loved one.

Memory Care in Phoenix, Salem, Springfield, Beaverton, Cottage Grove, San Jose, Vernon Hills and Henderson

Choosing the right memory care facility for your loved one is a crucial decision. By understanding what memory care entails and considering the factors that make a great memory care community, you can ensure your loved one receives the best possible care. At ONELIFE Senior Living, we are here to support you every step of the way.

ONELIFE Senior Living offers exceptional memory care facilities in various locations throughout the country, including:

Phoenix, Arizona

Shadow Mountain Memory Care

Salem, Oregon

Battle Creek Memory Care

Springfield, Oregon

The Rawlin at Riverbend Memory Care

Beaverton, Oregon

Waterhouse Ridge Memory Care

Cottage Grove, Oregon

Middlefield Oaks Senior Living

San Jose, California

Sonnet Hill Senior Living

Vernon Hills, Illinois

The Laurel at Vernon Hills Memory Care

Henderson, Nevada

Vineyard Henderson Memory Care

Oxnard, California

The Vistas at Oxnard Senior Living


Our communities are dedicated to providing a supportive and enriching environment for residents with memory loss. With personalized care plans, engaging activities, and compassionate staff, we strive to make our memory care communities a place where residents feel at home. Contact us today to learn more about our memory care facilities, and let us help you find the perfect home for your loved one.

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