Activities for your loved one living with dementia
Engaging in activities tailored for your loved one is not just about passing time - it's an opportunity to cultivate skills and enhance their overall health and wellbeing.
Discovering suitable activities can significantly contribute to their cognitive abilities, emotional health, and daily enjoyment, fostering a more fulfilling and enriching experience in their journey living with dementia.
Listening to Music
Listening to or engaging in music – for example, by singing, dancing or playing instruments – can help loved ones living with dementia develop and maintain relationships with others and improve their wellbeing. Music becomes a dynamic tool for building and sustaining relationships, all while boosting overall happiness and can also support individuals to express their feelings and ideas, verbally and non-verbally and act as a prompt for reminiscing, unlocking cherished memories.
The British Association for Music Therapy website provides you with all the details to find a music therapist nearby, and the increasing amount of benefits Music Therapy can offer. Music acts as a versatile and accessible companion throughout your loved one’s dementia journey as it stimulates memory, encourages social interaction, and provides a soothing pastime. So, whether it’s slipping on some headphones or popping in a CD, you can explore the transformative power of music with your loved one.
Getting Outside and Interacting with Animals
Another great activity for your loved one is getting outside and interacting with nature and animals. If you live near Edgware, why not explore the serene outdoors at Belmont Farm, where you can partake in activities such as feeding and gently interacting with animals, creating a relaxing afternoon for you and your loved one. By encouraging outdoor engagement and socialisation, this activity aligns with the growing emphasis on the mental health and wellbeing benefits of nature.
Beyond the scenic landscapes, venturing outside and immersing in nature becomes a valuable activity for individuals living with dementia, offering them a respite from the bustling streets of London. Interacting with animals not only enhances self-esteem and confidence but also fosters independence, potentially contributing to an improved quality of life for those facing communication challenges. So why not pop down and explore the therapeutic effects of nature and animal companionship at Belmont Farm! The farm is open 7 days a week and no booking is required.
Brain Games and Puzzles
As dementia progresses, basic cognitive functions like arithmetic, counting and memory recall often present challenges on a daily occurrence. An effective strategy to stimulate your loved one involves engaging them in tailored games designed to exercise their brain and body functions. Supporting a loved one with dementia through board games or puzzles can be a meaningful and enjoyable way to enhance their well-being. By carefully selecting games tailored to their cognitive abilities, emphasising gentle stimulation and enjoyment, you create an environment that encourages positive experiences. Engaging in one-on-one or small group sessions not only encourages social interaction, but also companionship amongst individuals navigating similar challenges.
Being patient and encouraging participation over competition, creates a comfortable and inclusive gaming experience for your loved one. You can adapt rules and games as needed, for example, games such as Jigsaw puzzles could be played using larger pieces. Choosing games with familiar themes or nostalgic elements may also help to tap into positive memories, making each game one to enjoy! Beyond entertainment, this shared experience becomes a powerful platform for emotional connection and a sense of accomplishment, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of your loved one with dementia. So why not sit down and play a board game in a nearby café or grab the playing cards on the kitchen table and get your game on!
Socialising
Socialising and exercise activities for individuals living with dementia can be a great way to increase well-being and self-esteem. Barham Community Library offers a Memory Lounge Café held every Monday from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. Tailored for individuals living with dementia, and those caring for a loved one, the Memory Lounge Café provides a relaxing social space with engaging activities, valuable advice and support sessions.
Barham Community Library is ran by volunteers and can be found on 660 Harrow Road Wembley . It is easily accessible by buses 18, 92, 182, 204, and H17. The library is located within Barham Park, offering scenic views, planted areas, an outdoor gym, and a perfect location for a gentle stroll with your loved one. The cafe within the library serves as a hub for stimulating activities, including brain exercises, chair yoga and social interactions. The library offers off-site parking, accessible facilities, and restroom amenities for convenience. Refreshments are also available, making it a welcoming space for all who attend. You can contact Barham Community Library at 07732309991 for opening times and bookings.
Arts and Crafts
Engaging in arts and crafts with your ageing adult is a great way to stimulate their imagination and get their creative skills flowing. The Yellow Community Centre is a wellness destination that offers a range of activities designed to promote physical and mental well-being. Their art classes are catered to all ages and explore the basics of drawing and painting whilst exploring new materials and techniques for you and your loved one to try. The creative activities they offer aim to gradually build confidence and social skills as you interact with kind and supportive groups of people from all different backgrounds!
There are plenty of classes to choose from on their website and lots of classes are available for you to drop in whenever you fancy! The facilities are wheelchair accessible with parking and public transport nearby. You can find it on Humphry Repton Ln, Wembley Park.
We hope you find these engaging and stimulating activities valuable in your journey with your loved one living with dementia. By participating in these activities together, you can create meaningful moments that stimulate memory, encourage social interaction, and enhance overall well-being.
And if you’d like to know more about the services we provide at Home Instead Wembley, don’t hesitate to give us a call on 0208 022 4590– we’d be delighted to share the ways we can support your loved ones with any of the activities listed above. If you would like to organise your loved one who is living with Dementia to participate in any of the activities listed, we can arrange this for you and accompany and support them to do so.