Dementia Friendly Activities Ideas and Free Resources
Practical, engaging activities designed to support individuals living with dementia.
Finding the right activities for someone living with dementia can be challenging. Our dementia-friendly activity ideas and resources help caregivers, volunteers, and activity providers create engaging, inclusive experiences that promote social interaction, cognitive stimulation, and emotional well-being.
Supporting Well-Being Through Meaningful Engagement
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People living with dementia benefit from structured, familiar, and stimulating activities that promote a sense of purpose and connection.
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Well-designed activities can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and encourage social interaction.
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Choosing the right activities can help maintain cognitive function and physical movement for longer.
Key Benefits of Dementia-Friendly Activities:
✔️ Encourages social engagement
✔️ Supports memory recall and cognitive function
✔️ Helps maintain motor skills
✔️ Provides routine and structure
✔️ Boosts emotional well-being and confidence
Creative, Cognitive, and Sensory Activities for Dementia Care
Below are engaging activity ideas designed for different stages of dementia:
🧠 Cognitive Stimulation Activities
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Word & Memory Games – Word association, finishing common phrases, reminiscence prompts.
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Simple Puzzles & Matching Games – Picture matching, large-piece jigsaw puzzles.
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Reminiscence Therapy – Looking through old photos, music, and familiar objects to spark memories.
🎨 Creative and Sensory Activities
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Music Therapy – Playing familiar songs, singing, or using simple instruments.
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Art & Crafts – Painting, coloring, creating memory scrapbooks.
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Sensory Bins – Using textures like fabrics, sand, or scented objects for stimulation.
🏃♂️ Physical and Movement-Based Activities
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Chair Exercises – Gentle stretches and seated movements to encourage mobility.
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Balloon Volleyball – Light, engaging, and great for hand-eye coordination.
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Gardening – Simple tasks like watering plants or repotting flowers provide a sense of accomplishment.
How to Tailor Activities to Suit Different Stages of Dementia
Activities should be person-centered and adapted to meet individual needs.
✔️ Early Stage Dementia: Encourage decision-making and social activities like trivia games or storytelling.
✔️ Mid-Stage Dementia: Focus on structured, hands-on activities like crafts, simple word games, and sensory-based tasks.
✔️ Late-Stage Dementia: Provide soothing, low-effort engagement, such as soft music, tactile objects, and familiar routines.
Tip: Always observe verbal and non-verbal responses to adjust activities based on interest, mood, and engagement level.
Best Practices for Engaging People Living with Dementia
✔️ Keep it simple – Avoid complicated instructions.
✔️ Encourage participation without pressure – Let them engage at their own pace.
✔️ Use familiar materials – Recognizable objects help evoke memories and provide comfort.
✔️ Create a calm environment – Minimize noise and distractions for better focus and enjoyment.
✔️ Adapt to individual preferences – Every person is different—adjust based on what they enjoy most.
Explore Our Dementia Training Courses
If you're an activity provider, volunteer, or caregiver looking to deepen your knowledge, check out our dementia training courses:
Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) Facilitator Training – Online Course
CST Facilitator Course
