Top 7 Dementia-Friendly Activities for Care Homes in 2025
Finding activities that are both engaging and dementia-friendly is key to creating a happy and stimulating environment for care home residents. These ideas are designed to be simple, enjoyable, and adaptable to various abilities. Let’s dive into seven wonderful activities you can try this year.
1. Jewelry Sorting
Sorting beads or costume jewelry is a soothing, hands-on activity that promotes focus and provides a sense of accomplishment.
How to Set Up:
Gather colorful, tactile-safe beads or costume jewelry—large pieces work best for easy handling.
Provide divided trays, bowls, or muffin tins for sorting into categories like size, color, or type.
Sit with residents and demonstrate how to sort, offering gentle guidance as needed.
Why It Works:
Jewelry sorting is not only calming but also sparks conversations about fashion, memories, and favorite accessories. It’s perfect for quiet moments or when residents need grounding.
Pro Tip:
Include a few brightly colored pieces that stand out to make the activity easier for residents with vision challenges.
Resources:
https://training.mmlearn.org/caregiver-training-videos/activities_using_jewelry_box
2. Paint to the Music
This activity combines the therapeutic power of art and music, allowing residents to express emotions while engaging their creativity.
How to Set Up:
Choose a playlist of soft, instrumental music or old classics that might resonate with residents.
Provide paper, paintbrushes, and non-toxic, washable paints in a variety of colors.
Encourage residents to let the music guide their brushstrokes—abstract patterns, dots, or even free-flowing lines are all welcome.
Why It Works:
The combination of music and painting stimulates multiple senses, relaxes the mind, and can even trigger joyful memories.
Pro Tip:
Avoid overcomplicated instructions. Let them paint freely to whatever the music inspires.
Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFF599438873BC71E
3. Pet Therapy
Interacting with animals has been shown to reduce anxiety and lift spirits, making it a wonderful option for residents with dementia.
How to Set Up:
Partner with certified pet therapy programs or bring in trained therapy animals like dogs or cats.
Alternatively, consider lifelike robotic pets for a similar effect without the unpredictability of live animals.
Create a quiet, comfortable space for the session where residents can pet or simply observe the animal.
Why It Works:
Pets offer unconditional love and comfort. Just being near an animal can trigger memories and create a calming atmosphere.
Pro Tip:
Always supervise interactions, especially with live animals, to ensure everyone feels safe.
Resources:
https://gtka.co.uk/care-home-animal-therapy
4. Spa Time
Pampering activities like hand massages, manicures, or aromatherapy are both relaxing and sensory-engaging.
How to Set Up:
Set up a “mini spa” station with calming scents like lavender or chamomile. Use gentle lotions and nail polish in soft, neutral colors.
Offer hand or shoulder massages, or guide residents through simple relaxation exercises.
Dim the lights and play soft instrumental music to create a calming ambiance.
Why It Works:
Spa time encourages relaxation, reduces stress, and makes residents feel valued and cared for.
Pro Tip:
Encourage residents to choose their own scent or nail color to foster a sense of control and personal preference.
Resources:
https://www.theparkseniorliving.com/roanoke-va-assisted-living-blog/7-spa-day-activities-you-can-perform-at-your-retirement-community/
5. Biscuit Tasting
Engage multiple senses with this social and delicious activity. Tasting different biscuits can spark memories and bring everyone together.
How to Set Up:
Select a variety of biscuits—some nostalgic, like shortbread or ginger snaps, and others with unique flavors.
Serve with tea or coffee in a cozy setup that mimics a traditional tea party.
Encourage residents to describe the tastes, textures, and any memories the biscuits might evoke.
Why It Works:
Food often triggers powerful memories and creates opportunities for conversation. It’s also a fun way to bond.
Pro Tip:
Include biscuits with different textures to cater to all preferences, but make sure they’re easy to chew.
Resources:
https://www.liftedcare.com/news/14-cooking-and-kitchen-activity-ideas-for-care-home-residents/#:~:text=Play%20a%20blind%20taste%20test,foods%20when%20they%20were%20younger.
6. Sort by Color
Sorting activities are simple yet highly effective for focus and engagement, particularly for residents in the later stages of dementia.
How to Set Up:
Provide colorful, easily distinguishable items like large buttons, fabric swatches, or plastic lids.
Offer trays, bowls, or containers to sort items into based on color.
Start by demonstrating how to sort and then let residents take over.
Why It Works:
This activity is great for concentration and can be tailored to each resident's abilities. It’s repetitive in a way that feels productive and calming.
Pro Tip:
Choose high-contrast colors to make sorting easier for residents with visual impairments.
Resources:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1698642099/dementia-care-activity-magnetic-sorting?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=dementia+sorting+kit&ref=sr_gallery-1-4&pro=1&content_source=4e4fada740c8fd214149061419a7ae44c5cedda5%253A1698642099&organic_search_click=1
