18 Meaningful Activities for People with Dementia at Home

A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming — for both the person diagnosed and those providing care. But just because things may look different doesn’t mean the need for joy, connection, and purpose disappears. In fact, these things become even more important. The right activities can spark fond memories, reduce anxiety, and bring little moments of happiness into the everyday. 

Simple, yet meaningful experiences — like folding fresh laundry, humming along to a favorite tune, or watering plants on a sunny afternoon — can have a big impact. These moments help nurture identity, encourage independence, and deepen connections. 

From gentle creative projects to calming routines, there are plenty of ways to bring meaning to each day. With a little imagination and care, every moment has the potential to make a difference in both quality of life and well-being.  

Dementia can lead to tense and emotional moments, but familiar routines and fun activities can help provide comfort. By engaging in daily living activities together, we aren’t just keeping our loved ones occupied; we’re also nurturing their sense of self, acknowledging their skill set, offering reassurance, and strengthening our bond.¹  

 So many simple acts — such as baking a favorite recipe, flipping through old photo albums, or watching home videos — can bring a sense of normalcy and joy. These moments also help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve overall mood.²  

Staying active isn’t just great for the body — it’s a boost for the mind and spirit too. Regular movement helps those with dementia maintain strength, balance, and coordination, which can lower the risk of falls and support their ability to stay independent longer.  

Engaging in enjoyable physical activities together can ease anxiety and create meaningful moments of connection. The key to physical activities with dementia care is to focus on movement that feels natural and enjoyable rather than structured exercise. 

Here are some simple and rewarding ways to keep moving:  

Walking with purpose

A short daily walk can boost circulation and provide a refreshing change of scenery.³ Stroll by places your loved one has always admired, whether they’re: 

• Around your property  

• Through a nearby garden  

• Down the block 

Walking side by side also creates a wonderful opportunity for conversation and connection. Talk and listen freely as you enjoy the sights and the company of your loved one.   

Gentle stretching and chair exercises

Seated exercises can help maintain flexibility and mobility. Try: 

• Raising your arms overhead  

• Gentle leg lifts  

• Simple seated marches 

Soft, flowing stretches can be paired with calming music for a relaxing experience.  

Dancing to favorite tunes 

Music has a powerful way of awakening memories and emotions.⁴ Put on a favorite song and encourage swaying, clapping, or even a simple two-step. Listen to music from your loved one’s youth; hand out lyric sheets for everyone to participate.  

 If standing isn’t possible, dancing can happen right from a chair!  

Gardening and light outdoor activities 

Watering plants, raking leaves, or even digging in the dirt offer both movement and sensory stimulation. Gardening can be grounding and therapeutic by bringing fresh air, sunshine, and a sense of accomplishment into your loved one’s life.⁵ 

Having a green thumb can turn into quite the workout, especially for older adults. You can make gardening more comfortable and accessible with seat cushions and knee pads or a raised garden bed. 

Household chores as movement

Everyday activities can provide gentle movement while fostering a sense of purpose. Try simple chores, like: 

• Folding laundry  

• Sweeping  

• Setting the table 

These activities can help maintain familiar routines and give a feeling of contribution to the household.  

Tai Chi or yoga for relaxation

Simple, slow movements in tai chi or yoga can help with balance, coordination, and relaxation. Guided videos with easy-to-follow motions can make these activities accessible for beginners.

Tossing a ball or playing with a pet 

A soft game of catch, bouncing a balloon volleyball, or playing with a gentle pet can encourage movement in a fun and engaging way. These activities stimulate both the body and the mind. 

Movement doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. The goal is to create moments of joy and engagement while helping your loved one stay active in a way that feels comfortable. 

Creativity has a special way of unlocking memories, emotions, and moments of self-expression. Whether it’s through art, music, or simple hands-on projects, creativity offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment for older adults living with dementia. 

Here are some ways to bring creativity into everyday life:  

Painting and drawing

Art allows for self-expression without words. Whether you’re using brushes, sponges, or even fingers, painting can be soothing and freeing. Consider providing your loved one with: 

• Watercolors  

• Colored pencils  

• Adult coloring books 

These can give your loved one an easy way to enjoy the artistic process without the pressure to complete a particular project. 

Crafting and simple DIY projects 

Handmade crafts — like decorating picture frames, creating collages with magazine cutouts, or making simple holiday decorations — can be engaging and rewarding. The focus should be on enjoyment rather than the final product. 

Flower arranging

Sorting and arranging flowers is a simple yet engaging sensory activity. The vibrant colors, soft textures, and familiar scents can be soothing and stimulating — making it an engaging, hands-on creative experience.  

Baking and decorating treats

Baking together engages multiple senses and can bring back comforting memories. There are several hands-on tasks your loved one can enjoy without the need to measure quantities or use heavy equipment, like: 

• Rolling dough  

• Stirring batter  

• Decorating cookies 

Even simple tasks like sprinkling sugar or frosting cupcakes can provide your loved one with a sense of accomplishment.  

Hand-knitting, crocheting, or folding fabrics 

For older adults who enjoy knitting or crocheting, these repetitive motions can be calming. 

If knitting is no longer possible, simply handling soft yarns, sorting buttons, or folding fabric squares can offer a similar sensory experience. Remember, creativity isn’t about getting it “right” — it’s about expression and engagement.  

Memories may fade, but the emotions they carry can last. Even when the details slip away, the feelings attached to familiar songs, scents, or beloved stories can spark moments of recognition and connection. 

Let’s explore some meaningful ways to revisit the past together: 

Looking through photo albums 

Flipping through old pictures can bring back fond memories and encourage storytelling. Even if someone struggles to recall names or details, simply looking at familiar faces and places can bring a sense of warmth and connection. 

Creating a memory box

Gathering personal items into a memory box — like letters, postcards, jewelry, or small keepsakes — allows for hands-on reminiscing. Handling these objects can bring a sense of familiarity, feelings of comfort, and even moments of nostalgia. 

Talking about “firsts”  

Ask open-ended questions about first experiences, including your loved one’s: 

• First car  

• First job   

• First concert 

This can encourage storytelling and invite them to engage with cherished memories. Even if details are unclear, the emotions connected to those experiences can still shine through.  

For people with dementia, engaging the senses — touch, taste, sight, sound, and smell — can provide a deep sense of connection to prior memories and experiences. Consider these sensory activities for people with dementia: 

The comfort of touch 

Touch is one of the most powerful ways to provide comfort and connection. The right textures and sensations can be calming, stimulating, or even sentimental. Harness the power of touch with your loved one through:  

• Soft fabrics and textured objects: Provide a variety of materials like fleece blankets, silk scarves, or knitted squares for them to feel and explore. Weighted blankets can also offer a sense of security. 

• Hand massages and grooming: A gentle hand massage with scented lotion or brushing someone's hair can be incredibly relaxing and reassuring.  

• Hands-on activities: Mixing salad, rolling clay, or washing dishes can be soothing and offer a sense of purpose.  

• Busy boards: Create or buy a busy board, designed for older adults to practice recognizable activities in a safe setting. 

These simple, tactile activities help provide comfort and engagement, making everyday moments feel more connected and meaningful.  

Scent-based reminiscence

Scents are deeply tied to memory and can instantly transport someone back to meaningful moments. Try incorporating familiar scents into daily activities to spark recognition and comfort by: 

• Baking familiar treats: The smell of fresh-baked cookies, oven-hot bread, or a favorite family recipe can bring back warm, nostalgic feelings.

• Using a favorite perfume or aftershave: A signature scent from the past can evoke strong emotional connections. 

• Exploring nature’s fragrances: Fresh flowers, cut grass, or the scent of rain can remind someone of the outdoor experiences they love.

• Aromatherapy: lighting scented candles or using essential oils: Lavender for relaxation, citrus for energy, or vanilla for comfort can enhance mood and memory. 

• Opening old books or newspapers: The scent of aged paper can bring back memories of reading, school days, or time spent in libraries.    

• Cooking with familiar spices: Cinnamon, garlic, or fresh herbs can remind someone of meals shared with loved ones. 

By introducing familiar and comforting scents, you can create moments of joy, connection, and reminiscence for a person with dementia.  

Engaging the eyes

Visual experiences can stimulate recognition, spark conversations, and bring a sense of awareness. Even when memory fades, familiar views can provide comfort and reassurance. Set your sights on: 

• Enjoying colorful flowers and decorations – Bright, familiar colors can boost mood and create a welcoming environment. Consider placing fresh flowers or seasonal decorations around the home. 

• Watching birds and nature – Setting up a bird feeder outside a window or taking a short walk in a garden can elicit calming feelings and evoke visual interest. 

• Watching familiar movies or home videos – Classic films, nature documentaries, or home recordings can bring joy and a sense of familiarity. 

By incorporating familiar and visually appealing elements, you can create a comforting and stimulating environment that promotes well-being.  

As you plan activities for your loved one consider incorporating a person-centered approach.

Person-centered care is care that focuses on who a person is, not just their diagnosis. Person-centered care factors in a person’s goals, preferences, and values. It encompasses their mental, social, and spiritual health, not just their physical health.

Dancing to music? Put on your loved one's favorite album. Spending time in the garden? Plant your loved one's favorite flowers.

Even as your loved one’s condition changes, person-centered care can lead to dementia care that honors your loved one and the care they want to receive.