Dementia Support Corner
Whether you would like to spend time outside for some fresh air or enjoy more time with your loved ones at home, Alzheimer’s San Diego’s Dementia Care Coach Crystal Viloria has lots of ideas for inclusive ways to have fun! In this piece, we will explore some ideas on how to plan meaningful activities with dementia, no matter the stage of the journey.
Dementia-inclusive Activity Ideas to Enjoy Together
Finding joyful activities to experience with your loved ones is important for your mental health, physical health, and overall wellbeing. Planning an activity every week can help create socialization and brain stimulation for both you and your loved one living with dementia. To start, create a list of hobbies, activities, and interests you think you and your loved one would enjoy together. Dementia Care Coach Crystal has a few dementia friendly activities for you to consider:
Outdoor Activities
- Go to the movies (tickets are usually cheaper for movie times during the day!)
- Go on a scenic drive and play some music
- Check out the great museums around San Diego
- Go to the park and people watch
- Soak up some sun and watch the paragliders at Torrey Pines Glider Port
- Check out free live music at Coronado on Sundays and during the week
- Check out free live music Fridays 6-9pm at Clairemont Square
- Take a walk by the water at La Jolla Shores
- Walk around the neighborhood
- Water the plants outdoors
- Outdoor color scavenger hunt (find one thing outdoors for each color of the rainbow)
Additionally, Alzheimer’s San Diego offers free social activities & outings every week for people living with memory loss and their companions to enjoy together.
At Home Activities
- Alzheimer’s San Diego’s Exercise Video Library
- Exercises videos on YouTube (tai chi, yoga, gentle stretching, chair exercises, dance videos)
- Arts and crafts (painting, air dry clay, collages, drawing)
- Reminisce through old albums
- Indoor color scavenger hunt (find one thing in the house to match each color of the rainbow)
- Weekly free crossword puzzle
- Picnic in the backyard or in the living room
- Balloon toss
Don’t forget, sometimes less is more. Remember, your goal is to create happy and positive interactions, not stress yourself out.
Modifying Dementia-friendly Activities
Don’t be afraid to modify an activity to fit the needs of your situation. For example, if you enjoyed picnics at the park but driving there is too difficult, have a picnic in the backyard instead. If you enjoy going to concerts, consider putting on some music at home and having a concert in your living room. Basically, Crystal says your ability to modify activities is endless! No matter what stage of dementia your loved one is in, there are meaningful activities for you to enjoy together. “Be flexible and have fun,” says Crystal.
Alzheimer’s San Diego is Here to Help You Navigate Dementia
Alzheimer’s San Diego’s team of compassionate Dementia Care Coaches can help you learn more about how to plan meaningful activities with your loved ones. Give our Dementia Care Coaches a call today at 858.492.4400 and get personalized dementia support for your unique situation. Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more. Services are also available in Spanish.
Our “Dementia Support Corner” series is an opportunity for our Supportive Services to provide insight that can help people impacted by dementia.
By Heidi Emmenegger
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