13 Therapeutic Activities for Loved Ones With Dementia

A nurse supporting an elderly man while he works on a small wooden puzzle in a retirement home.

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a deeply personal and sometimes overwhelming experience. You may often wonder how best to support their well-being while keeping them safe and engaged. Therapeutic activities provide a wonderful way to not only stimulate their mind, body, and soul but also strengthen their bond with you. With a little creativity and a lot of patience, you can introduce meaningful therapeutic activities to your loved ones with dementia, bringing them comfort, joy, and peace.

Gentle Exercise

Encourage light physical activities such as stretching, chair yoga, or a short walk around the garden or home. Movement helps stimulate circulation, release tension, and promote relaxation, all while supporting their overall mobility and physical health. Tailor these exercises to their abilities, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident. Creating a calm, supportive environment makes the activity enjoyable and reduces any sense of pressure or fatigue.

Listening to Music

Music has the incredible power to unlock emotions, memories, and a sense of joy. Play their favorite songs or familiar tunes from their past, whether it’s old classics, folk music, or hymns they loved. You might find them singing along, tapping their feet, or smiling with recognition. Music can help reduce stress, elevate mood, and even encourage gentle movement. Consider creating a playlist or introducing live music for an interactive experience.

A nurse supporting an elderly man while he paints on an easel, holding the paint brush in his right hand.

Arts and Crafts

Engage their creativity by offering simple arts and crafts projects, such as painting with watercolors, coloring in a favorite book, or molding shapes with modeling clay. These activities not only fuel imagination but also provide a sense of accomplishment, even in small tasks. Keep the materials easily accessible and choose projects tailored to their skill level to avoid frustration. Displaying their completed projects can also boost their confidence and bring joy.

Gardening

Nurture a deeper connection to nature with hands-on gardening activities. Planting flowers, watering plants, or tending to an indoor or outdoor garden can be incredibly soothing and rewarding. Those with dementia can get a great sense of meaning and purpose through:

The tactile experience of touching soil
The refreshing scent of flowers
The joy of watching seeds sprout

Gardening can also be a gentle form of light exercise, promoting both physical and emotional well-being. If outdoor gardening isn’t an option, creating a small windowsill herb garden or adding potted plants indoors can offer similar benefits with minimal space requirements. These activities evoke a sense of calm and accomplishment while introducing a touch of green into their world.

Reminiscing

Take time to reminisce together by looking through old photo albums, scrapbooks, or cherished keepsakes. Sharing stories from the past can spark feelings of joy, offer comfort, and strengthen emotional connections. Ask open-ended questions like, “What was your favorite childhood memory?” or “Who is in this picture?” to encourage storytelling and conversation.

This simple activity can gently engage their memory in a positive way, making it a therapeutic and meaningful experience. Reminiscing is a beautiful way to celebrate the milestones, people, and moments that have shaped their life, creating a warm, heartfelt bond for both of you.

Simple Puzzles and Games

Introduce basic puzzles, card games, or board games that are right for their cognitive abilities and preferences. Activities like matching games, large-piece puzzles, or a gentle round of bingo provide a fun and engaging way to stimulate the mind. These games also foster problem-solving skills and bring a real sense of achievement when completed.

Cooking or Baking Together

Spend time in the kitchen preparing simple recipes or inviting them to help with easy cooking tasks such as stirring ingredients, measuring, decorating cookies, or rolling dough. Cooking and baking offer a sensory-rich experience with the familiar smells, textures, and tastes of favorite foods, providing comfort and engagement. This activity is also a wonderful way to share personal traditions and pass down recipes.

Reading Aloud

Share a moment of connection by reading aloud books, poems, or short articles. Choose materials that align with their interests, bring them comfort, or spark nostalgia, such as beloved classics, inspiring stories, or light-hearted tales. The soothing sound of your voice can create a calming atmosphere, offering peace and relaxation.

Birdwatching or Nature Observation

Create peaceful moments by observing the beauty of nature together. Sit outside in a garden, on a porch, or near a window to watch birds or the ever-changing scenery. Even small interactions, such as hearing bird songs or watching leaves sway in the wind, can feel grounding and calming. A bird feeder or binoculars can enhance the experience, bringing a closer view of colorful visitors and their unique behaviors.

A close-up of a woman with red hair hugging a small black French bulldog, while they both look at the camera.

Engaging With Pets

Introduce the joy of animals by spending time with a friendly pet or therapy animal. Petting a cat or dog, watching their playful behaviors, or simply sitting beside them can bring immense comfort, reduce stress, and provide a sense of companionship. Animals have a unique ability to lift spirits and create calm through their presence.

Singing Together

Encourage singing together, whether it’s nursery rhymes, hymns, or familiar songs from their youth. Music has a special way of connecting people, lifting moods, and even triggering positive memories. Singing in a group can foster a sense of togetherness, while solo singing offers a more personal and fulfilling experience.

Watching Familiar Movies or Shows

Reconnect with cherished memories by watching familiar movies, TV shows, or performances they’ve always loved. The sights and sounds of beloved favorites can evoke positive emotions, spark conversation, or simply provide comfort. Create a cozy and inviting atmosphere with warm blankets, dim lighting, and snacks to enhance the experience. Afterward, take time to discuss the movie or show, encouraging them to share their thoughts and reminisce about similar moments from the past.

Practicing Mindful Activities

Introduce mindful activities that bring a sense of calm and presence to their day. Use simple sensory tools like scented oils, soft fabrics, or objects with interesting textures to engage their senses. Activities can help ground them in the present moment, whether they’re:

Arranging flowers
Folding towels
Holding a warm cup of tea

These small, purposeful tasks reduce stress, promote relaxation, and create a peaceful rhythm in their daily routine. Mindful activities are a gentle way to foster focus and emotional well-being while providing meaningful moments of connection.

Every therapeutic activity you share with your loved ones with dementia is an opportunity to strengthen your bond and create moments of joy. Even if the task seems small, it can hold great value in their day. Focus on the process, not the outcome, and remember to approach each activity with warmth and understanding.

If you can’t handle this therapy yourself, consider working with Azalea Senior Care, the Lawrenceville, GA personal care home specializing in dementia care. With love, patience, and the right supportive environments, you can make a meaningful difference in your loved one’s daily life and overall well-being.