Planned activities for people living with Dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease are crucial for both the patient and the caregiver. Activities give meaning and purpose to the patient’s life, while also enhancing their sense of dignity and self-esteem. They may also help decrease wandering behaviors and agitation that can accompany these illnesses as well. Below is a list of 10 possible activities you can do with an Alzheimer’s or Dementia patient.

1. Daily personal care routines. Personal care routines are the activities that we do to get ready for the day, such as taking a bath, getting dressed and brushing our teeth.
2. Household tasks. Instead of automatically tidying up the home, encourage dementia patients to assist with the clean-up. Doing so may increase their sense of purpose.
3. Meal preparation. Invite the dementia patient to join in meal preparation. With some guidance, allow them to choose the meal and perform simple and safe tasks.
4. Physical activities. Plan physical activities such as going for walks, playing a simple sport such as catch and participating in light exercise.
5. Social activities. Engage in social activities that require interaction with other people, such as playing a game, talking or drinking a cup of coffee with someone.
6. Spiritual activities. For dementia patients who did spiritual activities before the disease progressed, engage in singing hymns, going to church and praying.
7. Artistic activities. Include activities that bring out creativity such as coloring, painting, listening to music, and playing the piano.
8. Academic activities. Stimulate their minds with academic activities that include reading, writing and doing simple puzzles.
9. Work-related activities. Provide a sense of ability and being needed by allowing dementia patients to make notes, type or fix something.
10. Spur-of-the-moment activities. These activities may be the most common activities you perform with dementia patients. If your original plan doesn’t work, you may have to think quickly and do something spontaneous. Take them on a short ride in the car or out to eat somewhere if your planned activities don’t work out.

Be sure to remain flexible when it comes to planned activities. Make adjustments depending on the patient’s mood and behavior. Never try to force them into an activity. If they refuse to participate, try another activity. Don’t worry about filling the whole day with activities because the patient will need time to rest and relax.

The Alzheimer’s Association has a pamphlet available that goes into more detail about planned activities for dementia patients.