If you have an elderly parent with dementia, you will know the importance of introducing meaningful activities to their daily routine. Not only will this keep them occupied, but it can also help to foster a sense of purpose and achievement. Of course, with any activity you introduce, you will need to make sure it’s safe. This includes taking into consideration your loved one’s unique needs, such as avoiding small items if they are likely to place them into their mouths.
Crafting for your parent with dementia is a good choice of activity as there are many different ways this can be accomplished, with no right or wrong answers. Read on to find out our top crafting activity suggestions to try out!
Flower Arrangement
Whether you make use of real or artificial flowers, you can get your loved one to arrange them in a vase. This will allow them to unleash their creativity and come up with a colorful arrangement that can brighten up the house!
Sorting Coins or Buttons
If your loved one has a lot of idle time on their hands, how about getting them to sort through small items such as coins, buttons, or pieces of fabric? Sorting coins can foster a sense of purpose in your aging parent as it can remind them of the times when they were in charge of managing household finances.
Pegging Clothespin on a Line
Much like arranging flowers, you can provide your aging parent with clothespins in various colors and get them to peg them on a line. They can do this in any way they want: completely randomly, by color, or by size – just about anything goes!
Matching Picture Cards
This is a fun activity you can do with your loved one. Start by printing off some images that mean a lot to them, such as photos of yourself and your other family members. You may also wish to throw in pictures of some of their favorite items. Print two of each image and stick them on the card. From here, your loved one can have fun matching them and even if this proves difficult, they can look at the images and admire or reminisce about them.
Sorting Plastic Cups
Another fun and simple crafting activity for your aging parent with dementia is to sort plastic cups. You can buy a multipack and get your loved one to stack them by color, or simply in any way they wish to.
Experience Memory Care at The Trace
If you are looking for a partner in care for your loved one’s needs, consider memory care at The Trace. Our award-winning program utilizes the latest scientific-based principles and industry practices to provide attentive care for your loved one. This includes a whole range of health and wellness services such as continence management, 24/7 nursing care, transfer assistance, medication management, and more. Our dementia care specialists will see to it that your loved one is in safe hands at all times!
