5 Crafts For Seniors With Dementia
Anyone who has Alzheimer’s or is suffering from dementia needs mental stimulation and social engagement. There are five crafts that are perfect for seniors living under these conditions. If you are searching online for “crafts for seniors with dementia” or “easy crafts for seniors with dementia,” then this post is for you!
Easy Crafts For Seniors With Dementia
The best way to set up activities for those with dementia is to make sure the craft does not have a right or a wrong way to accomplish the task. These activities are meant to be fun and satisfying; helping to improve self-esteem and confidence. In fact, some crafts may be the preferred alternative to medications used to curb depression or behavioral issues. It’s also important to play it safe. Safety is key with these crafts and/or activities for seniors with dementia. Stay clear of choking hazards or potentially dangerous movements or stretches. Below is a list of five great crafts for your loved ones.
1. Flower Arrangements
Creating flower arrangements is a terrific activity, especially for those who previously enjoyed this task earlier in life. Anyone who liked creating flower arrangements or putting together flower gardens will appreciate this craft idea. Let the senior in your life hop back in time and create some flower arrangements. All you need for this activity is a plastic vase and preferably some artificial flowers.
2. Keep A Beat
This may sound like a meaningless and somewhat boring task, but it has been proven to be very beneficial for seniors with memory issues. The best way to keep a beat to a song is by using some sort of homemade shaker. What can you use to construct a homemade shaker, though? Our suggestion is to fill a plastic container with pasta or dry beans. Staying with a music rhythm for several minutes will help sharpen focus.
3. Make A Scrapbook
Scrapbooking can be a tremendously satisfying activity for all ages. For seniors, it may be ideal to equip them with a small notebook, magazine or newspaper clips and a glue stick. From there, let the creative minds take over. Leave the arrangement and/or goal of the scrapbook up to them. Perhaps bringing an already completed scrapbook for reference would be a good idea.
4. Play Dough
Just like scrapbooking, play dough can be fun for everyone, especially seniors. They can relax and form clay into any shapes and sizes they desired. Make sure you have cookie cutters and a plethora of play dough handy. Adding in a few drops of essential oils can give the play dough a pleasant scent.
5. Sorting Through Coins
This is one last great activity. Sorting coins can be a very fun and productive task, at the same time. This could remind them of earlier in life when they had to manage finances or create a budget.
Read more about great crafts for seniors with dementia here.
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