During the cold winter months, there are many activities that older adults, including people living with Dementia, can enjoy when residing in a care home. Carefully considered activities are beneficial for skill development, help to keep the mind active and engaged, and encourage individuals to socialise with like-minded people.
Whether you’re looking for ideas for activities to suggest to a friend or relative living with Dementia, or are interested in suggestions to host your own activities, we have gathered some of the most popular ideas that are ideal to enjoy all year round, but especially during the winter months.
We believe positive and successful dementia activities should:
Evoke memories and allow individuals to reminisce about their life
Foster emotional and intimate connections with others
Encourage self-expression
Make individuals feel more engaged
Help individuals feel productive and have a sense of control
Our top care home activities for people with Dementia:
Cooking & Baking
Recreating favourite dishes is a great way to bring a wonderful wave of nostalgia to anyone’s day, especially those living with Dementia. To enjoy the benefits this comforting activity can bring, we advise selecting a simple, easy-to-prepare recipe that is easy to follow and make. People with dementia can be trusted with prep work alongside supervision. When executed in a safe and secure environment, cooking and baking, and recreating recipes passed down through generations can help rekindle important memories whilst enjoying delicious food by the end of it.
No-bake recipes can also serve the same purpose while reducing safety risks. You can discover top no-bake dessert recipes recommended by the BBC.
Films & Family Videos
A simple but highly effective activity to enjoy during the wintertime is to cosy up under a blanket and watch a movie. A movie has the power to bring people together and allow them to share emotions and are a great conversation starter. This type of activity is great for everyone, especially those living with Dementia.
Re-watching home videos have the ability to spark and stimulate nostalgic memories. Even if a loved one doesn’t remember the past event they watch, we recommend still sharing home videos; it’s incredibly beneficial to share videos of people and events from their life and it will get them engaged.
Music & Singing
Listening to music and singing songs that are commonly known and recognised to help individuals reminisce and spark wonderful memories. When doing so, it has the ability to bring people together especially at important times during the year such as Christmas.
As stated by NHS England, music therapy can have many benefits. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language, provokes sensory stimulation and enhances the quality of life; we believe it’s important that care facilities have access to music and regular exposure to music within their activities for dementia patients.
Arts & Crafts
Arts & Crafts, such as painting, flower arranging and wreath making are wonderful and enjoyable options for the elderly, especially those living with Dementia. This type of activity encourages creativity and self-expression without being physically demanding and is ideal for people of all ages and abilities.
Arts & Crafts are usually delivered to a group in a shared space in a care home. Group activities encourage people to spend time with others including fellow residents, staff and family members which creates new friendships and helps to foster meaningful relationships. Through experience, we know that individuals who participate in regular Arts & Crafts activities are typically happier and more connected to others, it helps individuals to create memories that last a lifetime.
To discover over eighty DIY Christmas Crafts suitable for elderly, including those living with Dementia, visit countryliving.com.
Puzzles, Jigsaws & Board Games
Sensory activities such as puzzles, jigsaw puzzles and board games are hugely beneficial for mental stimulation and development, which are believed to help slow down the progression of certain health conditions. Enjoying puzzles, either as a solo activity or as part of a group, allows people to have hours of fun, to be fully engaged and to feel a sense of achievement once completed. In any stage of Dementia or Alzheimer's, puzzles are said to have the ability to relieve some of the symptoms associated with the condition as well as provide a sense of independence.
Winter Walks
We believe it’s important to engage in physical activity and get fresh air even throughout the winter months. Being outdoors comes with a host of mental and physical benefits, and is something we recommend doing safely, and as regularly as possible. This activity can be enjoyed with a loved one as well as in a big group. Just remember to wrap up warm and stay safe when venturing outdoors.
If possible, why not travel to a scenic nearby location for a leisurely walk, take in the views, bring a flask and enjoy a picnic or even birdwatch?
Animal Therapy
Pets have been proven to relieve stress and symptoms of depression and anxiety whilst also providing a sensory experience. Being introduced to, or enjoying an animal’s presence through Pet Therapy is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits different animals can bring. Research suggests that animals have the ability to boost residents' overall health and well-being. This type of therapy uses trained animals as a form of companionship and treatment for people of all ages and medical needs with the aim of improving emotional, social and/or cognitive abilities, making it the ideal activity for dementia residents.
Live a Vibrant Life With the Right Care at Templeton House
Templeton House is a luxury, purpose-built care home located in the pleasant town of Ayr.
We proudly offer Dementia Care at Templeton House which is customised to each individual. Our Dementia Care team has undergone extensive, specialised training in dealing with all elements and stages of dementia. We are committed to giving our staff every chance to develop their knowledge in this field so that we can provide the finest dementia care and support to each and every one of our residents living with the condition.
We also provide comprehensive Residential Care, Nursing Care and Respite Care on a 24-hour basis for older people. From the moment you arrive at Templeton House Care Home, our staff go out of their way to make sure residents have everything they could need to live a full and happy life in Ayr. Each resident has access to a plethora of all-inclusive facilities and services including a full activities programme, rooftop gardens, hair salon and library for them to carry out their hobbies with ease.
Contact The Team at Templeton House
If you have any questions regarding Dementia Care or daily life at Templeton House, get in touch with our helpful team today. Call 01292 291 232 or send an email to info@templetoncare.com and a member of the team will be happy to answer your questions.
