Understanding the Importance of Play
Play remains a vital component of well-being, even for individuals living with dementia. Engaging in meaningful and enjoyable activities provides cognitive stimulation, can improve mood, and fosters a sense of purpose. As dementia progresses, the ability to communicate and interact in complex ways often declines, but the capacity for sensory pleasure, emotional connection, and muscle memory often remains. By focusing on these remaining strengths and personal history, caregivers can tailor activities to reduce agitation and promote moments of joy and connection.
Prioritizing Sensory Stimulation
For many with dementia, particularly in later stages, sensory activities offer a powerful way to engage with the world without the pressure of complex rules or memory recall. These activities appeal directly to the senses of touch, sight, and sound, providing a calming and grounding effect.
- Fidget Blankets and Muffs: These are soft blankets or muffs with various items sewn on, such as ribbons, beads, zippers, buttons, and different textured fabrics. The tactile stimulation can keep restless hands busy, reduce anxiety, and prevent picking at clothes.
- Weighted Items: Weighted blankets, lap pads, or soft toys can provide a sense of comfort and security. The gentle pressure can be very soothing, especially during periods of agitation or sundowning.
- Sensory Balls: Textured balls that are easy to grip, squeeze, or roll offer satisfying tactile feedback and can help with hand-eye coordination.
- Music Boxes: Playing a music box with a familiar, gentle melody can evoke positive emotions and memories, providing both auditory and visual stimulation.
Harnessing the Power of Reminiscence
Reminiscence therapy uses familiar items and memories to spark conversation and recall, helping individuals with dementia feel more connected to their past and their sense of identity. These activities can be deeply comforting and affirming.
- Photo Albums and Memory Boxes: Flipping through old family photo albums or sorting through a memory box filled with mementos from their life (old keys, a favorite scarf, a small souvenir) can trigger pleasant memories and encourage storytelling. The conversation is less about perfect recall and more about enjoying the shared moment and emotions.
- Favorite Music: Music, especially familiar songs from their younger years, has a unique ability to trigger memories and emotions. A personalized playlist can be a powerful tool for lifting spirits and encouraging engagement. Singing along can also be a simple and enjoyable activity.
- Familiar Scents: Our sense of smell is closely linked to memory. Presenting familiar scents like lavender, cinnamon sticks, or a favorite food can evoke strong positive memories.
Simple Games and Puzzles
For many individuals with dementia, especially in the earlier stages, games and puzzles can provide a rewarding form of cognitive stimulation. The key is to simplify the rules and focus on participation rather than competition.
- Large-Piece Puzzles: Opt for puzzles with fewer, larger pieces and clear, familiar images. Wooden shape-sorting puzzles can also be effective for maintaining fine motor skills.
- Matching Games: Using large-print cards with simple pictures or colors, matching games help with concentration and memory. Picture bingo is another excellent option.
- Adapted Card Games: Classic card games like Go Fish or War can be simplified. Oversized, high-contrast playing cards are easier to see and handle.
- Sorting Activities: Sorting objects by color, shape, or size can be both therapeutic and mentally engaging. Buttons, coins, or different colored socks are perfect for this simple, repetitive task.
Creative and Artistic Expression
Arts and crafts offer a non-verbal outlet for self-expression, allowing individuals to create without the pressure of having to communicate verbally.
- Coloring and Painting: Use large coloring books with simple designs or prepare thick paper and watercolors. The act of creating something with bold colors can be relaxing and rewarding.
- Crafting with Textures: Activities like rolling clay, tearing paper for a collage, or arranging silk flowers engage the hands and senses.
Tailoring Activities to the Stage of Dementia
What do people with dementia like to play with is highly dependent on their stage of cognitive decline. Activities should be adapted to prevent frustration and maximize enjoyment.
| Stage of Dementia | Examples of Play Activities | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Early Stage | Simple card games (Go Fish), large-piece jigsaw puzzles, gardening, simple cooking tasks, listening to music, word searches. | Provides cognitive stimulation, promotes social interaction, offers a sense of accomplishment. |
| Middle Stage | Matching tiles, picture bingo, sorting household items (buttons, socks), crafting with textures, sing-alongs, chair-based exercises. | Reduces agitation through repetitive actions, reinforces familiarity, encourages engagement without complex instructions. |
| Late Stage | Sensory blankets, weighted toys, hand massage with scented lotion, watching birds, listening to calming music, holding a soft toy. | Offers comfort and a calming effect, engages multiple senses, focuses on simple pleasure rather than cognitive challenge. |
Best Practices for Introducing Play
To ensure play remains a positive experience, caregivers should keep the following tips in mind:
- Consider Past Hobbies: Tap into the individual's history. If they loved gardening, focus on simple plant care. If they enjoyed baking, involve them in simple, safe meal prep.
- Create a Safe Environment: Ensure the space is well-lit, free of clutter, and comfortable. Activities should be done at a familiar time and place to minimize confusion.
- Keep it Simple and Adapt: Break activities into small, manageable steps. If a task becomes frustrating, simplify it or move on to something else.
- Focus on Process, Not Perfection: The goal is engagement and connection, not the end result. Praise their participation and effort, not the outcome of the game or craft.
- Observe and Adjust: Pay close attention to your loved one's reactions. If they show signs of fatigue or distress, it's time to take a break or switch to a different activity.
- Involve Others: Play can be a great way to bring family and friends together, fostering social connections and a sense of community.
For more resources and guidance on dementia care, the Alzheimer's Association offers valuable information for families and caregivers.
Conclusion
Play is not just a childhood pastime; it is a fundamental human need that continues to be important throughout our lives, including for those with dementia. The answer to what do people with dementia like to play with is unique to each individual but often centers on things that offer sensory comfort, spark warm memories, or provide simple, repetitive, and fulfilling tasks. By approaching these activities with patience, flexibility, and a focus on personal preference, caregivers can create meaningful and joyful moments that enhance the overall well-being of their loved ones.
