Supporting Dementia Residents With Activities

For individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, keeping active and engaged during their daily lives is vital for both their physical and cognitive health. As dementia progresses, individuals may find it difficult to concentrate, retain memory or find familiarity in their daily activities which will lead them to feel isolated, and confused and experience mood decline.

Maintaining cognitive skills and continuing interests is important for everybody who resides in a care home, but particularly for people with dementia. It is essential to organise activities that suit the needs of each person to ensure everybody can reap the benefits and continue doing what they love whilst receiving the care they deserve.

Benefits of Planning Meaningful Activities for People With Dementia

Offering creative activities as part of a daily routine can decrease the progression of dementia and ensure residents are receiving the best quality of life around the clock. It is important to remember that a person living with dementia will have different requirements from other residents and this must be reflected when planning activities.

Engaging in activities tailored to their interests and abilities offers numerous benefits in a person's life. Firstly, these activities provide cognitive stimulation, helping to maintain mental function, reduce any cognitive decline, promote social interaction and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. As well as this, meaningful activities can encourage residents to engage more, boost their self-confidence, and enhance the overall well-being of a person living with dementia.

Engaging Activities to Support Dementia Residents

To give you a better understanding, we have collated a list of the most common activities to support people with dementia living in a care home.

Music Therapy

Music therapy is usually a favourite for people with dementia and something to include when planning activities as it stimulates memories, enhances emotional well-being and promotes relaxation. Music therapy sessions may involve listening to residents' favourite songs, singing along, playing instruments, or even dancing. You could even turn it into a game where residents see how many songs they can remember.

Sensory Sessions

Sensory activities are extremely beneficial for residents receiving dementia care, as they engage multiple senses at once and promote relaxation and enjoyment. Sensory stimulation can be created in many different ways including through sensory gardens, aromatherapy and tactile stimulation with textured materials such as butcher paper or play dough. These sensory experiences can evoke positive memories, reduce agitation, and improve mood and overall well-being for people living with dementia.

Outdoor Activities

Outdoor activities can range from leisurely walks in the fresh air to gardening, birdwatching, or picnics. These outside activities provide people with dementia with numerous opportunities for social interaction and conversation, sensory stimulation, exposure to natural light and fresh air, connection with nature and exercise. Residents could also invite family members along, making more memories and getting to experience their journey surrounded by those closest to them.

Reminiscence Sessions

Reminiscence therapy involves encouraging residents to recall and share memories from their past from those they spent quality time with - whether this is a family member, friend or loved one. This can be achieved through conversation, picture books, or photo albums on a phone or tablet. Reminiscing about significant life events, hobbies, or favourite experiences through memory care can evoke positive emotions and foster a sense of connection with others. People living with dementia may find it hard to recall their cherished memories at first, but reminiscence sessions are one of the most beneficial activities to offer in a care home.

Physical Activity

Structured exercise is essential for maintaining mobility, strength, and overall physical health in dementia residents. Simple exercises such as stretching, yoga from a sitting position, or gentle walking in your private gardens can improve balance, coordination, and flexibility and can reduce stress. Adaptations can easily be made based on the needs of a person to ensure they find the exercise enjoyable and stimulating.

Household Tasks

Maintaining a routine provides a person with a sense of control over their day, especially for those in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. For those in the late stages of dementia, many household tasks such as folding laundry or laying the table are one of the few ways they can still engage their memories and communicate. It provides residents with a sense of achievement, boosting self-esteem and improving their overall well-being.

Dementia Care at Oakdene Care Home

At Oakdene Care Home, we offer unrivalled levels of dementia care as well as residential, palliative and respite care. We understand the importance of continuing to have vital life experiences throughout your whole life and encompass this into our approach to care. We offer stimulating activities to people with dementia through our activities programme, with a specific focus on ensuring they reduce the rate at which dementia progresses whilst being enjoyable.

Whether they are in the early stages of dementia or have more complex requirements, our dedicated team is fully equipped to fulfil your loved one's unique needs. As part of our holistic approach to care, we encourage residents to stay connected to family members in between their daily activities with video calls or regular in-person visits.

To maintain familiarity and a homely feel, our care home in Dorset is adapted to suit the needs of our dementia residents. We have a range of facilities and amenities available to them 24 hours a day at no extra cost. All of our en-suite bedrooms are fully personalisable so they can mimic a home environment for people with dementia, as well as widened doorways, clear lighting and decorations with contrasting colours.

Book a Tour Around Our Care Home in Wimborne Minster

At Oakdene Care Home in Wimborne Minster, we understand how important it is to ensure people living with dementia feel supported throughout their daily life which is why our senior care team is always available to listen to any suggestions and also offer their professional advice and guidance regarding any queries you may have.

To find out more information, we invite you to contact us at 01202 813722 or email info@oakdenecare.co.uk to arrange a tour around our home or speak with a member of our friendly team.