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5 Fun DIY Craft Ideas for Seniors with Dementia
Posted by Scott Cantin in Fun activities for seniors | 0 comments
Even if a senior has Alzheimer’s or a different type of dementia, it is vital that they feel engaged and have fun in life. One of the unfortunate realities of dementia is that it makes it difficult for seniors to enjoy many of the same activities that they once did. Instead, with the use of imagination, you can think of DIY craft activities that have no right or wrong way to complete them. These are ideal because they are always fun, satisfying, and a boost to the senior’s self-esteem.
Need an assisted Miami caregiver to provide support during your craft day at home?
Advancare‘s certified caregivers have experience with dementia and Alzheimer’s care. Here are eight DIY craft ideas that you can do with a dementia patient to keep them engaged.
Safety First
Before reviewing the craft ideas, it is important to emphasize the importance of safety when it comes to senior dementia care. It’s crucial that the activities you create do not cause injury to your senior or anybody else involved. For instance, some seniors with dementia will put things in their mouths and try to eat them. If this is the case, avoid using objects that can damage teeth or be a choking hazard.
Attaching Pipes and Fittings
Many seniors will still enjoy the type of handyman work that they used to do around the house. An activity that will activate these memories can greatly improve their morale and self-esteem. All you need for this activity is varying lengths of inexpensive PVC pipe and fittings like elbows or T-joints. If you’re having trouble, the hardware store will be able to cut them for you.
Clipping Clothespins
For this activity, you can use mini or full-size clothespins. Give your senior something like a basket, wire clothes hanger, or anything that is safe so that they can clip the clothespins to it. The rainbow of colors that is created can be a source of wonder and joy.
Flower Arranging
If the senior you’re spending time with enjoyed gardening or making flower gardens, flower arranging can activate those memories. Take them back in time by letting them create beautiful arrangements. All you need for this activity are artificial flowers, florist foam, and a plastic vase.
Enjoy Homemade Play Dough
No matter the age group, people can enjoy and relax playing around with modeling clay and Play Dough. Purchase a canister of Play Dough and some cookie cutters and watch the seniors get creative.
Sort Coins or Parts from the Hardware
All that this craft requires is a visit to the hardware store or a few loose coins. Give your older adult several different coins or hardware parts, such as bolts, nuts, screws, and washer, and ask them to sort them for you.
Miami, FL At-Home Dementia Care
Providing services such as assisted living dementia care and Alzheimer’s care, the certified caregivers at Advancare want to keep seniors engaged and fulfilled. In addition to doing activities with seniors with dementia, our caregivers can help your loved one with grooming, bathing, and dressing, meal planning and preparation, reading, and eating assistance.
For more DIY craft activity ideas, call Advancare at (305) 441-9794 or schedule online.
