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How to Choose the Right Activities for Each Stage of Dementia

Writer: Ideal Caregivers 4uIdeal Caregivers 4u
Feb 54 min read

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be both rewarding and challenging. As the disease progresses, their abilities and interests change, making it essential to adapt activities to meet their evolving needs. Engaging in meaningful activities not only helps improve their quality of life but also provides caregivers with positive ways to interact with their loved ones.


In this article, we’ll explore how to choose the right activities for each stage of dementia—early, middle, and late—ensuring that they remain engaged, safe, and happy.


seniors with dementia participating in puzzle activity

Why Activities Matter for Dementia Care

Staying active—physically, mentally, and socially—has been shown to:

✔️ Stimulate cognitive function

✔️ Reduce anxiety and agitation

✔️ Improve mood and well-being

✔️ Strengthen connections with caregivers and loved ones

✔️ Provide a sense of purpose and routine


However, not all activities are suitable for every stage of dementia. Let’s take a closer look at how to tailor activities for each phase of the condition.


Activities for the Early Stage of Dementia

(Mild Cognitive Decline – Still Independent with Some Memory Challenges)

During the early stage, individuals with dementia can still enjoy many of their favorite hobbies, but they may need occasional reminders or modifications. The goal is to keep them engaged in activities that stimulate their brain while encouraging social interaction and physical movement.


Best Activities for the Early Stage:


🧠 Brain-Boosting Games – Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, word searches, trivia, and card games help keep the mind sharp.

📖 Reading & Storytelling – Reading books, newspapers, or magazines and discussing their content can encourage memory recall and engagement.

🎶 Music Therapy – Listening to favourite songs, playing an instrument, or even dancing can boost mood and memory.

🌱 Gardening & Nature Walks – Light gardening or walks in a park offer relaxation and physical activity.

🍳 Cooking & Baking – Preparing simple meals or baking with a caregiver’s supervision allows for creativity and sensory engagement.

📷 Memory Journaling & Photo Sorting – Looking through old photos and organizing a scrapbook helps with reminiscing and storytelling.

💻 Technology-Based Activities – Using apps, video calls, or digital memory games can provide entertainment and mental stimulation.

🖌 Creative Arts & Crafts – Painting, knitting, or pottery can help express emotions while maintaining motor skills.

🌟 Tips for Success:

✔️ Encourage independence while providing gentle guidance.

✔️ Offer choices to make them feel involved.

✔️ Focus on activities they have always enjoyed.


Activities for the Middle Stage of Dementia

(Moderate Cognitive Decline – Increased Forgetfulness & Assistance Needed for Daily Tasks)


At this stage, individuals may struggle with complex tasks but can still engage in simplified activities that provide comfort and stimulation. Activities should focus on familiar routines and sensory engagement.


Best Activities for the Middle Stage:


🖼 Reminiscence Activities – Looking at family photo albums, listening to old radio shows, or watching classic movies helps spark memories.

🤲 Hands-On Sensory Activities – Folding laundry, sorting objects by colour or shape, or playing with textured materials can be soothing.

🎵 Singing & Movement-Based Music Activities – Singing along to familiar songs or swaying to music can provide joy and relaxation.

🌺 Flower Arranging & Indoor Gardening – Simple tasks like placing flowers in a vase or watering plants can be engaging.

🎭 Simple Crafts & DIY Projects – Easy-to-follow activities such as colouring, using stickers, or stringing large beads help with motor skills.

🧩 Puzzles & Matching Games – Large-piece jigsaw puzzles, sorting objects, or simple memory games provide cognitive engagement.

🍎 Food Preparation Assistance – Helping to mix ingredients, set the table, or prepare snacks allows them to feel involved.

💆 Calming Activities – Gentle hand massages, aromatherapy, or brushing a pet can provide sensory comfort.

🌟 Tips for Success:

✔️ Use step-by-step instructions with visual cues.

✔️ Keep activities short and simple.

✔️ Provide reassurance and celebrate small accomplishments.


Activities for the Late Stage of Dementia

(Severe Cognitive Decline – Limited Communication & Mobility Challenges)

At this stage, seniors may have difficulty following instructions and recognizing loved ones. Activities should focus on comfort, sensory experiences, and emotional connection.


Best Activities for the Late Stage:


👂 Listening to Music & Nature Sounds – Playing soft, familiar music or calming sounds (rainfall, birds chirping) can reduce agitation.

👐 Gentle Hand & Shoulder Massage – Providing light touch therapy can help ease stress and anxiety.

🌸 Aromatherapy & Scent-Based Activities – Using essential oils like lavender or citrus can provide relaxation and pleasant stimulation.

🐾 Pet Therapy – Interacting with a therapy dog or cat (or even a stuffed animal) can bring comfort.

🧸 Soft & Tactile Objects – Providing a soft blanket, fidget quilt, or stuffed toy can help soothe restlessness.

🎥 Watching Relaxing Videos – Short, simple nature videos or family home movies can bring comfort.

💬 Talking & Reassuring – Even if verbal responses are minimal, speaking in a calm, familiar voice can provide an emotional connection.

🌟 Tips for Success:

✔️ Focus on sensory experiences over cognitive engagement.

✔️ Keep activities brief, as attention spans may be short.

✔️ Prioritize emotional comfort and reassurance.



As dementia progresses, adapting activities to match your loved one’s changing abilities is essential. The right activities can improve their mood, reduce anxiety, and provide a sense of joy and connection.


💡 Remember: The goal is not perfection but engagement. Even small moments of joy and recognition make a difference.


Caring for someone with dementia is a journey, and you are not alone. If you need additional support or resources, contact us at 1-866-372-0603, where our professional caregivers can help assist your loved ones.



 

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