Top 5 Indoor Activities for Seniors with Dementia (For Free)
Are you stuck inside with your loved one at home with nothing to do?
Is the idea of coming up with something for them overwhelming especially if they are not getting around as well anymore?
In this blog post, I will go over my top 5 best indoor activities for seniors with dementias with examples of what that looks like if your loved one is walking or in a wheelchair.
And friend, my current position at a local geriatric psychiatric hospital is in the activity therapy department so friend, you have come to the right place.
Activity 1: Task Related
Indoor Chores
Think about what your loved one did before dementia or simply what needs to get done that your loved one can do.
I've seen seniors with dementia fold laundry, file paperwork, mix cake mix, etc.
Make sure to simplify the task if needed depending on your loved one's ability. Praise them often for how hard they are working, how much they are contributing etc.
Too many people treat activities like entertainment and forget that people need to be needed as well.
Activity 2: Remenisance
Music
As a Board Certified Music therapist, I have lead hundreds if not thousands of music groups over the years.
Choosing music that they listened to when you were growing up or music you know they like will allow them to access memories easier and remember who they were before dementia.
Make sure to encourage them to sing along, dance or clap for maximum effect. Choose things that are all easy and accessible for anyone of any ability level (being able to stand or sit down while doing it).
Get music for free through Spotify https://www.spotify.com/us/
Examples include:
Music Listening
Karaoke
Dancing
Clapping or tapping a foot
Activity 3: Sensory/Creative Activities
Crafts or Games
An activity where they can touch and create are very important for your loved one.
It helps them focus, relax and feel productive. Make sure to adjust with ability level.
Example Include:
Crafts like painting
coloring
puzzles etc.
If you are confused about how this is supposed to look, I have a linked video of Teepa Snow showing how she cut some magazine pages to make a puzzle that is engaging.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ek04qjT-xQ Be sure to skip to the 11 minute mark for the puzzle example.
Activity 4: Exercise
Yoga/ Stretching
Simple exercise like In chair stretching or workouts can be done indoors and are very important to maintain your loved ones health.
Check out some how to videos I have linked below on some free chair stretching and leg lifts in the description.
Do it together so it turns into a bonding experience.
Chair Yoga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DYH5ud3zHo
Video for your loved one that can move around a bit more
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxxPTjGZaFU
Activity 5: Relaxation
Spa/Book Day
Relaxation is important for seniors with dementia. They have taken in a lot of overwhelming things through the day and like any of us, they need a wind down routine.
Get inspiration from their routines before dementia or what you usually do and invite them to join you.
Examples include:
aroma-therapy
spa day
reading them a book
painting nails etc.
Conclusion
I hope that you've got some ideas for indoor activities for your senior with dementia to hit all of their needs of 1) doing tasks 2)re-claiming their identity 3) exercise 4) creative/sensory needs and 5) relaxation.
If you want more tips and strategies grab a free copy of the dementia success guide here.
Share in the comments your experiences or any questions you may have. Have fun!