Engaging activities for a loved one living with dementia

March 29, 2024

Engaging activities for a loved one living with dementia

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Staying socially active

Keeping in touch with people is good for one’s confidence and mental wellbeing. As well as meeting up with friends and family, when permitted, try these activities:

  • dance, tai chi, yoga, swimming, or joining a walking group will help keep one active as well as sociable – lookout for local dementia-friendly swimming, gym and walking sessions
  • arts-based activities – drawing/painting classes, drama groups and book clubs can all help one stay involved
  • reminiscence work-sharing– sharing one’s life experiences and stories from the past with photos, objects, video and music clips, either as a book or on a tablet or other digital device
  • find a local memory or dementia café  – meet other people with dementia and their carers in an informal drop-in setting to share advice, tips and support
  • Singing for the Brain groups run by Alzheimer’s Society – singing is known to improve mood and wellbeing and is also great fun

Both Alzheimer’s Society and Age UK can provide details of these and other activities available in your area.

Find out more about our dementia services

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Tablets and smartphones

Digital devices can be very useful for a loved one living with dementia. From online games, puzzles and dedicated dementia apps, to Skype and YouTube, they provide a way to stay engaged with others and enjoy a range of activities.

Out and about

Many communities are working to become dementia-friendly. This means that organisations and venues may have special events and activities for your loved one living with dementia, such as:

  • dementia-friendly cinema screenings and streaming of live theatre productions
  • sensory gardens – a garden or plot designed to provide different sensory experiences, including scented plants, sculptures, textured touchpads and water features
  • woodland walks

Activities for the later stages of dementia

It’s often assumed that people in the later stages of dementia are unable to engage in activities, but this isn’t true. Activities will often need to be simplified and are more likely to focus on the senses:

sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch graphic

Playing music objects to touch and interact with, and hand massage can all help your loved one living with dementia in the later stages.

Relish/Active Minds research and develop a range of activities for people affected by dementia.

How can Cavendish Homecare help?

At Cavendish Homecare we are experts in providing dementia homecare for clients who want to remain in their own homes. When it comes to your health and well-being, choosing the right homecare package is of utmost importance and navigating this process can be overwhelming. With Cavendish Homecare by your side, you’ll have the support you need to remain safely at home while enjoying elevated health and wellbeing.

If you would like to enquire about our homecare services, contact us on, 02030085210 or email us at info@cavendishhomecare.com.

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About the Author…

Misha Zemkova

Operations Coordinator

Misha plays a key role in ensuring the smooth and efficient running of day-to-day operations across the business. With a background in supported living and a degree in Health and Social Care, she brings both experience and empathy to her role.