Keeping busy at home is essential for living well with dementia. Many people with dementia experience low mood, self-esteem, or depression due to concerns about their condition and future. They might also become disengaged from daily life and lose interest in hobbies they once enjoyed.
One of the main advantages of live-in care for a person with dementia is the dedicated one-to-one support. This care allows individuals to continue or resume daily tasks and activities, as well as beloved hobbies. With the help of a highly trained professional, they may even discover new passions.
Our live-in carers specialise in providing side-by-side support that enables people with dementia to get the most out of each day and live their lives to the fullest. Here are expert tips and ideas from our carers to help family members support their loved ones with activities that can improve their quality of life.
Daily Activities for People with Dementia
Before dementia, individuals actively participated in their daily routines. This involvement shouldn’t change after a diagnosis. From morning routines to household chores, people with dementia may still want to engage but struggle with memory and task sequencing.
Involve the person in as much of their personal care and domestic life as possible. Allow extra time and support them to do the maximum they can, avoiding frustration or feelings of failure. Use a daily tasks board or set reminders on a tablet or phone to help them follow what needs to be done.
Cooking Together
Cooking is a wonderful activity because it’s not just about making food; it also encourages conversation and can stimulate appetite through the smells of cooking. Tasks like peeling vegetables, kneading dough, or mixing pastry help individuals feel useful. Encourage them to try a variety of tasks, like whisking, stirring, and washing up. Following old favourite recipes can bring back happy memories.
Sensory Activities
Baking bread is a great sensory activity, but there are many others. Aromatherapy, with different scents for soothing or stimulating, can be very enjoyable. Hand massages or aromatherapy diffusers can help with restlessness or preparation for bedtime.
Craft activities that involve different textures can be soothing for restless hands. Gather items from around the house and garden for exploration. Making twiddlemuffs, cards, or wind chimes can also be beneficial.
Music is another fantastic sensory activity. Explore resources like Music for Dementia or the BBC Music Memories and create personalised playlists.
Reminiscing and Creating Memories
Reminiscing can be very comforting. Engage in life story projects using photos, travel souvenirs, and other mementoes to create a memory box or album. Talking about these items and creating a physical resource can be very rewarding.
Staying Active
Physical activity is crucial for mental and physical well-being. Encourage the person to get outside, even in colder weather, for tasks like clearing autumn leaves or planting bulbs. Walking is an easy way to stay active, and other exercises like dancing or yoga can also be beneficial.
For more exercise ideas, the NHS offers resources for adults of various ages.
Additional Support and Resources
Social engagement opportunities, such as Memory Cafes and online Dementia Cafes, are available through organisations like the Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK. For those under 65, Dementia UK offers additional support.
Find out how ENA Care Group can support you or your family by calling 01707 333700 or emailing care@ena.co.uk.
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