Are you a caregiver for someone with dementia and feeling like you're stuck in a daily routine? It’s easy to fall into patterns where each day feels the same. But engaging your loved one with new, creative activities can bring more joy and purpose to both of you.

Let’s explore six meaningful activities that can enhance your loved one’s day and deepen your connection.

1. Sensory Boxes

Sensory boxes are a wonderful way to engage your loved one’s senses. These boxes can include objects like sandpaper, soft cotton, stones, or even marshmallows. Each item triggers a different sensory reaction.

Whether they smile, pull away, or simply feel the objects, it’s a beautiful way to communicate even if words aren’t easy to come by. Ask them, “What does this feel like?” and share the experience together.

2. Themed Movie Nights

Watching old movies from their past can bring back cherished memories. You can create a cozy, movie theater-like atmosphere with buttered popcorn (let the smell fill the room!) and comfy blankets.

Whether it's a classic musical or an old favorite, observing your loved one’s reactions—tapping their feet, smiling, or humming—can create new moments of joy.

3. Textured Art

Art projects don’t have to be complicated. Introduce tactile materials like sandpaper, textured fabric, or pebbles to stimulate their sense of touch. Encourage them to create a collage using sticky paper, making it easier for them to participate without needing glue. Add aromatic items like dried flowers or essential oils to engage their sense of smell, turning art into a multisensory experience.

4. Music Reminiscing

Music holds a special place in the hearts of many, and for those with dementia, it can unlock powerful memories. Create a playlist of songs from their younger years. Even if they can’t communicate verbally, they may hum along, tap their fingers, or even sing the words. Music connects to a different part of the brain, so it’s possible they may recall the words even if speech is difficult.

5. Nature Sounds and Visuals

Tap into your loved one’s love of nature by playing sounds of birds, ocean waves, or waterfalls. Show them images of these peaceful places while listening to the corresponding sounds. For nature lovers, this can bring back positive memories and create a calming experience, especially during stressful moments.

6. Virtual Travel

Travel might be out of reach, but virtual travel can bring new adventures to your living room. Use free online tours of places like Paris, Amsterdam, or even museums. Surround the experience with themed objects—like flowers for a visit to Amsterdam’s tulip fields. Ask your loved one how they feel about the places they "visit" and share those moments together.

Below you can find some of our favorite virtual tours you can explore:

👉 Google Arts & Culture: This platform offers virtual tours of museums and cultural sites worldwide. You can explore places like the Louvre, the British Museum, and the Van Gogh Museum.
https://artsandculture.google.com/

👉 The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History: Enjoy a virtual tour of one of the most popular museums in the world.
https://naturalhistory.si.edu/visit/virtual-tour

👉 The Vatican Museums: Take a stunning virtual tour of the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel.
https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html

👉 National Gallery of Art: Explore the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., with their virtual tours featuring famous artworks.
https://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/visiting/virtual-tours

PS.

This video is also posted on our YouTube Channel!

Want to be part of a bigger community?

Join our private Facebook community for dementia caregivers; it's a kind, supportive space with others just like you. It's free to join, just follow this link (opens in a new window).