Engaging Persons Living with Dementia with Activity Boxes
As our population ages, cognitive decline related to dementia is one of the most important issues we face today. As symptoms progress, people living with dementia may become less able to enter our world, so we must create opportunities to join theirs.
Creating themed activity boxes can promote engagement, decrease boredom and anxiety and create a sense of purpose. Successful activity boxes are designed to the individual’s specific interests and ability level, such hobby or occupational related boxes.
Plastic shoeboxes with lids, found in dollar discount stores, are perfect as they can easily be enjoyed in the person’s lap or at a table and stacked to store away. You, grandchildren, and friends can enjoy the boxes together. Sit with the person and introduce them to the items by looking through the box together until the person becomes engaged with the activity. Tell the person you will be “right back” and step away to see if the person continues with the activity independently and return shortly as you promised.
Below are some suggestions for “theme” boxes.
- Flower arranging with artificial flowers cut into single stems (leaves and flowers), a vase, scents to add to the flowers
- Sanding blocks for the wood worker: several 2”x4” blocks with one side covered with sandpaper, pieces of wood (different shapes) that can be sanded, a cloth to wipe down the sanded pieces
- Office worker: papers to fold and place in envelopes, colored paper (sort colors or shapes) pencil sharpener and pencils, file folders, index cards, rubber bands
- Knitting box: yarn to roll into balls, needles with yarn started (muscle memory can often kick in and the person who has prior interest and skills will start to knit!)
- Shoeshine box: clothes, wax (avoid the dyes) shoestrings, brush
- Coin sorting box: large number of coins (avoid for those who may put them in their mouth), plastic coin holder paper rolls.
- Costume jewelry, scarves, gloves
- Gardening: gloves, cap, seeds packages, soil (great for outdoors and a wonderful sensory activity)
By finding meaningful activities and encouraging independent engagement, the person can experience pleasure and feel a sense of autonomy and personhood.
If you, a friend or family member living with memory loss are interested in our Memory Ministry, Memory Cafe or our Family and Friends Education Workshops, please contact Vicky Pitner at vpitner@firstumc.org.