Dementia assisted living in Kansas City offers many opportunities to senior residents that help improve physical mobility, cognitive awareness and social connectivity. One of the seemingly simple – but hugely beneficial – ways to accomplish those goals is by providing daily activities. While spending time outdoors is important, most aging adults – especially people with dementia – spend the majority of their time indoors. Many are bedridden or wheelchair-bound, and although they can and do spend time outdoors, finding things to do inside the dementia assisted living residence is equally as important.

The fact is, everyday activities can become too difficult for older adults with Alzheimer’s or dementia. But, like all of us, they still have the need to feel successful. That’s why indoor activities for people with dementia are so important. Being happily engaged in a creative activity reduces agitation, anxiety, depression, and anger. It may even reduce challenging behaviors like sundowning or reduce the need for medication.

Each person is different, so it might take some experimenting or creative thinking from the staff at dementia assisted living to find activities that appeal to them. Here are 5 simple activity ideas that can help seniors in dementia assisted living feel productive and successful.

1 – Scrapbooking: Who doesn’t love paging through a favorite scrapbook? It’s chock full of interesting items, and for a senior who misses their connection with their family and their previous life, it’s a fantastic way to keep seniors in dementia assisted living entertained and feeling happy.

2 – Folding Laundry: Seniors actually enjoy folding towels and small items, and it’s a great way to keep them occupied, give them an activity they can feel successful at, and help them feel like they’re contributing.

3 – Cooking: For seniors who are mentally and physically able, helping with small cooking projects, such as baking cookies or preparing a salad can be a great indoor activity. Just by preparing a snack of chips and a drink keeps them engaged.

4 – Memory Box: Have the senior create a memory box with things connected to their past – photos and keepsakes, things from their past career and previous hobbies. Having a memory box can help them feel connected to their family and friends.

5 – Playing Cards: Playing games of any kind that are suitable for indoors are good for seniors. Cards that are extra-large print are easy for older adults to see and make a great activity for staying engaged with others. Simple card games like solitaire, go fish, blackjack, or war are good choices. An older adult in later stages of dementia might enjoy simply shuffling the cards or separating them by color or suit.

Clover Care Home dementia assisted living in Kansas City seeks to embody the individual values of our residents by attending to their physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual needs. By offering a wide range of services, we are able to help seniors experience the fullness of life with dignity, joy and the highest levels of independence their health will allow. Give us a call today for an appointment to meet with our administrators and tour the facility. Visit our website or call 913-991-2605.