While overseeing the physical needs of your loved one who has dementia is critical, another component of comprehensive dementia care is supporting their mental and emotional well-being. Socializing can help preserve cognitive function, so interacting with your loved one is essential. When you spend time with your family members, here are a few activities they may enjoy. 

3 Activities to Try With a Loved One Who Has Dementia

1. Prepare a Meal Together

Food-related activities are especially well-suited for people in the early to mid-stages of dementia. Even if your loved one struggles to read or follow recipes, they can still engage in meal prep. Kitchen activities could draw up old memories and may even spur a conversation. Consider having your family member mash potatoes, shuck corn, or mix ingredients.

2. Explore a Park or Garden

Light exercise may help individuals slow their mental decline, maintain independence longer, and improve their mood. Walks in a park or botanical garden have a two-pronged benefit for people with dementia: not only do they provide an opportunity to exercise, but they can also stimulate and engage the senses. Multisensory activities have been shown to help reduce agitation in individuals with dementia.

3. Revisit Memories

Looking through photo albums or watching family videos is a popular dementia care practice to help individuals with their long-term memories. Also, try to create personalized memory collages, using images from toys, games, and pop culture that were popular during your loved one’s childhood or teen years. You might also like to create a “memory bag,” with trinkets and fragrances to spark your family member’s memory.

If you have a parent or elderly family member living with dementia, turn to Country Villa Assisted Living. With three Wisconsin locations including Omro, Freedom, and Pulaski, this facility provides an inviting living environment for seniors spread across a sprawling 12-acre campus. Their teams offer comprehensive dementia care to ensure the needs of their residents are fully met. Find out more about their amenities online, or call (920) 685-0607 to speak with a team member.