Activities for People With Dementia at Home: 20 Simple Ideas for Caregivers

Caring for someone with dementia at home often means long stretches of the day with nothing to do, and boredom can lead to restlessness, wandering or agitation. Meaningful activity helps. It doesn't need to be elaborate; it needs to fit the person. Here are 20 ideas caregivers use every day, grouped by type.

Everyday tasks that feel useful

Many people living with dementia want to help. Jobs that were part of their life for decades often stay familiar even as other skills fade.

1. Folding towels, washcloths or socks
2. Sorting silverware into a drawer tray
3. Setting the table
4. Watering plants or deadheading flowers
5. Washing vegetables or snapping green beans
6. Sweeping a porch or dusting
7. Winding yarn into balls

It's fine if it's not done "right." If towels end up folded oddly, leave them. The point is purpose and time together.

Music and memory

8. Make a playlist of songs from when they were 15 to 30 years old.
9. Sing old hymns or folk songs together with large-print lyrics.
10. Play "name that tune" with the first few seconds of familiar songs.

Reminiscence

11. Look through old photo albums and ask open questions ("Tell me about this house").
12. Use conversation cards with easy prompts ("What was your first car?").
13. Make a memory box with objects from their working life or hobbies.
14. Watch old TV shows or movies from their younger years.

Sorting, puzzles and games

15. Sort buttons, coins, playing cards or colored pom-poms by color or size.
16. Easy large-print word searches or "name five" category games.
17. Finish-the-saying proverbs ("A penny saved is…").
18. Simple bingo with pictures or words.

Creative and sensory

19. Coloring pages with bold lines and large spaces.
20. Hand massage with lotion, or smelling familiar scents like coffee, cinnamon or lavender.

How do you choose the right activity?

Tips that make activities go better

• Pick the right time. Many people are most alert in the morning; late afternoon can be harder.
• Set it up first. Have everything on the table before you invite them over.
• Show, don't explain. Start the activity yourself and invite them to join.
• One step at a time. "Let's fold this one" works better than a list of instructions.
• Watch for signs. Fidgeting, frowning or pushing things away means it's time to stop or switch.
• Take care of yourself too. The Alzheimer's Association helpline (1-800-272-3900) is free, 24/7, for caregivers with questions.

This article offers general activity ideas, not medical advice. Talk with the person's doctor or care team about changes in behavior, mood or safety.