Creating Meaningful Moments: 4 Activities to Enjoy with Someone with Dementia

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a journey that calls for compassion, patience, and creativity. At Comfort Keepers of Osseo, we understand how challenging it can be to keep a senior with dementia engaged, especially when memory loss and cognitive decline affect their ability to enjoy once-familiar tasks.

Finding daily activities that bring joy, encourage connection, and support emotional and mental well-being can make a significant difference in the lives of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. While each person’s abilities and preferences are unique, the right activity can brighten their mood, stimulate their mind, and offer a meaningful way to connect.

To support family caregivers and inspire joyful moments, we’ve compiled a list of four enriching and beneficial activities you can do with a loved one living with dementia. These suggestions are easy to implement at home and align with the Comfort Keepers approach to Interactive Caregiving™—doing things with seniors, not for them, so they can participate in life to the fullest.

Play Engaging and Lighthearted Trivia

One of the best ways to stimulate the mind in a fun and relaxed environment is by playing trivia. Trivia encourages conversation, memory recall, and often sparks stories and laughter. For individuals living with dementia, it's important to keep the questions light and personalized around familiar themes.

Types of Trivia That Work Well:

Finish the Phrase: Begin a well-known saying, lyric, or quote (e.g., “A penny saved is…”), and ask your loved one to finish it. Familiar phrases are often easier to recall than facts.
Famous Faces: Show photos of notable figures from the person's youth—musicians, movie stars, or political leaders—and ask if they recognize them.
Pop Culture from Their Era: Focus on music, movies, or popular trends from when they were young adults. “What song was playing at your prom?” or “Which actress starred in Gone with the Wind?”

Tips for Success:

Keep it positive, this is not a test!
Offer gentle hints or multiple-choice options if they seem stuck.
Celebrate each correct answer with enthusiasm.
Pay attention to body language; if frustration appears, switch to a more relaxed activity.

At Comfort Keepers, we often incorporate trivia into our in-home caregiving routines because it’s a wonderful way to engage clients early in the day, especially when their energy and alertness are highest.

Turn Movement into Fun with Physical Fitness Games

Physical activity is essential for all seniors, including those with dementia. It boosts mood, improves circulation, and helps maintain mobility and balance. The key is to make it feel less like “exercise” and more like play.

Easy and Joyful Movement Activities:

Balloon Volleyball: Use a balloon and a couple of fly swatters or just your hands to keep it airborne. This encourages coordination and laughter.
Bean Bag Toss: Create a homemade cornhole game using laundry baskets and bean bags. Adjust the difficulty based on ability.
Chair Dancing: Play upbeat music from your loved one’s youth and move along with the beat,either standing or sitting. Even rhythmic clapping and tapping can be beneficial.
Follow-the-Leader Stretching: Lead a few gentle stretches or movements and encourage your loved one to mirror you.

Why It Works:

Physical games promote endorphin release and help regulate sleep patterns, which are often disrupted in dementia. These activities also offer caregivers a chance to bond and laugh with their loved ones—an essential element in joyful caregiving.

Comfort Keepers caregivers are trained to safely incorporate physical activity into daily routines, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes at a time.

Create Meaningful Moments with Art Projects

Creative expression is a powerful tool for people with dementia. Art helps stimulate the brain, reduce agitation, and provide a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it's simply fun!

Even seniors who never considered themselves artistic can enjoy creating when the process is simple, guided, and pressure-free.

Dementia-Friendly Art Projects:

Textured Painting: Use alternative tools such as sponges, cotton swabs, combs, or even leaves to create texture and shape.
Memory Collages: Cut out magazine images of familiar objects, places, or food and glue them onto poster boards. This can spark stories and smiles.
Decorative Crafts: Painting birdhouses, picture frames, or wooden letters (like the first letter of their name) offers a tactile and visual experience.
Button or Gem Art: Fill in outlined shapes or letters with colorful buttons, gems, or stickers. This works well for fine motor practice too.

Tips for a Positive Art Experience:

Prepare everything in advance and clear the workspace.
Guide your loved one through each step, but encourage independent choices.
Praise their efforts, not the outcome.

At Comfort Keepers of Osseo, we see art as a gateway to connection. A simple painting session can lead to a rich conversation about seasons, memories, or feelings.

Bake Simple and Sensory-Rich Treats

Few things trigger memories and comfort like the smell of baked goods. Baking is a wonderful way to involve all the senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, and sound. Even if your loved one can’t follow a recipe independently, they can still enjoy participating in the process.

How to Include a Loved One with Dementia in Baking:

Prepare in Advance: Measure out ingredients and organize tools before you begin.
Assign Simple Tasks: Stirring, pouring, using cookie cutters, or placing cupcake liners can all be satisfying roles.
Encourage Storytelling: Talk about holiday recipes, family traditions, or favorite meals from childhood.

Best Baking Projects for Dementia:

Puppy Chow (Muddy Buddies): No oven needed—just mix ingredients in a bag and shake. It’s interactive and a little silly—in the best way!
No-Bake Cookies: Combine oats, chocolate, and peanut butter for a simple treat.
Muffins or Banana Bread: These offer easy mixing and a delightful aroma while baking.

Baking is a Comfort Keepers favorite because it creates an immediate sense of comfort, reward, and familiarity. Plus, you end up with a sweet treat to share together!

The Comfort Keepers Approach to Dementia Care

At Comfort Keepers of Osseo, we don’t believe dementia should define a person’s day. Our caregivers are trained to provide compassionate, customized dementia care at home, where seniors feel most comfortable and secure. Through our Interactive Caregiving™ philosophy, we look for opportunities to uplift, engage, and include our clients in daily life as much as possible.