by Jeannette Rodgers

Created on: September 04, 2010

There are many activities available for a person living with Dementia. While it is wise to understand what they are unable to do cognitively it is essential to focus on what an individual can do. Once we get past focusing on what they "cant" do and start focusing on what they "can" you will find that there is a wide variety of activities that can bring a smile, joy and comfort to anyone living with cognitive impairments.

While family members, friends and some caregivers persist on pressuring the individual to remember certain information that they can no longer recall it is worth remembering that it is quite frustrating and discouraging to realize that you simply can't.Try to be sensitive to their specific situation.

While showing pictures and sharing life experiences can be comforting and helpful to some; it can also bring great frustration and irritability to others. Carefully choose who can benefit from the attempts of recalling faces, names and activities and who may not be. Understanding where they are cognitively and behaviorally is helpful when determining what the best activities are for the person.

Many times it is the desire of the caregiver who truly needs their loved one or friend to remember so they do not personally feel forgotten while the individual faced with this impairment is simply trying to cope with what they are enduring. Sometimes it helps to focus on where the individual is instead of where they once were.

It is wise to find out from family members or friends what the individual enjoyed or still enjoys doing, eating, listening to or singing. If they liked to crochet; bring some yarn to start. Sometimes simply playing with the yarn is very therapeutic. Arts and crafts allow a person to share non-verbal expressions through.

Coloring books and crayons never go out of style. I have found that anyone any age will sit and color. Painting with watercolors by number or freestyle is a great activity dependent on the individual.

Music is healing and soothing to the soul.  It seems that music can affect the mood of a person in many positive ways. Try singing one of their favorite songs with them or to them. Musical instruments are also great fun.

Dancing; whether seated or standing is very enjoyable and promotes mobility. I have seen it with my own eyes.  Exercising the arms and the muscles to music is helpful and can also bring great comfort to the mind and soul.

Jumbo checkers are great especially if they are seniors

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