When dementia impacts a loved one, memory care stands out as an invaluable living option. Tailored to address cognitive changes, these communities prioritize quality of life through care thoughtfully designed to support people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A key benefit is the specialized activities, all crafted to stimulate and engage the mind, supporting cognitive function.
Sensory activities help older adults with dementia by improving mood, encouraging engagement, and boosting a person’s well-being.
Music therapy, gardening, crafts, aromatherapy, & other tactile activities can make a significant difference in your loved one’s care when worked into a daily routine.
The Benefits of Sensory Activities for Dementia
Sensory activities are more than just pastimes. They offer significant benefits to older adults with dementia. These activities provide a chance to relax, connect, and engage the senses, which helps improve overall cognitive health.
These activities help:
- Stimulate memory & cognition
- Reduce agitation & anxiety
- Improve focus & attention
- Enhance social interaction
- Promote calm & relaxation
These activities turn everyday hobbies into simple but powerful moments.
Sensory Activities for Seniors Living with Dementia
Sensory activities come in many forms. They can also be customized based on personal preferences, making them an adaptable option for older adults.
Music Therapy
Music can evoke strong, positive emotions, even for those living with advanced stages of dementia. Simply listening to familiar songs can reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
Music helps to:
- Trigger memories & encourage reminiscence
- Improve mood & reduce anxiety or agitation
- Encourage physical movement, such as clapping or tapping along
- Foster connection & communication, even nonverbally
Music is often even used as a form of therapy for older adults with dementia. It’s both soothing and stimulating, making it particularly helpful for older adults experiencing cognitive changes.
Gardening Activities
Few activities are as grounding as nature. Gardening offers a hands-on way to connect with the earth, engage multiple senses, and enjoy peaceful moments.
Feeling soil or dirt can help reduce stress and create a calming sensation. Meanwhile, the scents and sights can add a pleasing sensory element. Gardening is a beautiful activity that allows seniors to connect with nature.
Gardening helps a person’s physical and mental health as well. Between planting, watering, and weeding, the repetition offers a space where your loved one can focus on being in the present.
Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts are an excellent choice for older adults living with dementia. Creating something from nothing is immensely rewarding. Meanwhile, it challenges a person’s fine motor skills and helps maintain dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
Plus, there are plenty of options, such as:
- Painting or drawing
- Knitting or crocheting
- Building simple models
- Scrapbooking
- Jewelry making
- Creating collages
These projects don’t need to be perfect. The experience itself is what’s enriching. These activities offer significant cognitive benefits—and just as important, they’re fun and engaging.
Tactile Activities
Touch is an essential part of sensory stimulation. Tactile activities stand out and shine for providing soothing, hands-on experiences.
Some popular tactile activities for seniors include:
- Clay modeling
- Knitting or crocheting
- Finger painting
- Sand art
- Using sensory pillows or textured fabrics
- Playing with stress balls or therapy putty
- Baking & kneading dough
These engage the senses and bring a soothing touch to your loved one’s day. They’re an incredible way to ground your loved one in the present with an engaging, stimulating activity.
Aromatherapy
Scent has the power to transport someone back to a comforting moment or help them relax after a hectic day. Aromatherapy offers a gentle way to engage the sense of smell and lower stress levels.
With options like lavender, citrus, or herbs, your loved one can choose the scent that resonates with them most. Try diffusing essential oils in a room or using candles during quiet moments.
Baking & Cooking
Familiar scents and tastes bring comfort. Sometimes, there’s no better way to engage sensory stimulation than baking or cooking. Simple, hands-on tasks like rolling dough or stirring mixes promote accessibility and enjoyment while practicing fine motor skills.
It helps to adapt the stages to your loved one’s abilities. Try to keep the task as familiar as possible, such as a recipe they used to make or their favorite dish.
Keep in mind that safety is also key when involving your loved one in cooking and baking activities. Closely monitor all sharp objects, heat sources, and your loved one’s progress.
Nature Walks Or Outdoor Experiences
Fresh air and natural surroundings can lift the spirit and stimulate the senses. Even short outings can provide a wealth of sights, sounds, and smells. Even something as simple as a stroll through a park offers all kinds of stimulation.
Spending time outdoors helps expose your loved one to a wide range of colors and textures. Trees, flowers, and wildlife provide points of interest to engage and delight. When combined with the physical and mental benefits, this makes nature a rewarding option for adults with dementia.
When to Get Professional Help for Someone with Dementia
Sensory activities can be enriching for older adults with dementia. However, there may be a point when your loved one needs professional support. And don’t worry—our team at The Hidenwood is here to help.
In our community, residents have access to round-the-clock support, and we offer engaging activities tailored to your loved one’s needs and preferences. We’re ready to give your loved one a home where they can thrive.
Schedule a tour with our team today—your loved one’s future home is waiting.
