Boredom and dementia

Activities to stimulate a dementia patient

Boredom can become prevalent amongst the elderly, but especially people in dementia care. This manifests into restlessness, feeling agitated, sleeping too much, wandering, loneliness and isolation. In this article, find out how to provide support for dementia care through a range of activities that will keep your loved one active and engaged.

Optimal dementia care goes beyond meeting basic needs

As a person’s dementia progresses, focus shifts towards what they are no longer able to do, which can increase the risk of boredom, loneliness and isolation, whilst decreasing their confidence. There are many activities that dementia patients can participate in, to help them feel themselves again and improve their quality of life. Focus instead on what they are still able to do. For example, if they used to love dancing, but cannot stand for long periods of time, they may enjoy watching others or joining in from their seat by simply moving along to the music. When introducing new activities to dementia patients, encourage them to enjoy the process, instead of trying to complete the task correctly and in full. Socialising with friends and family can be crucial to combat loneliness, so make adjustments to make sure they feel included. It’s important to remember that individuals in dementia care will have good and bad days, so be mindful of their needs and prepare to be flexible and accommodating.

Other ways to reduce loneliness

Being emotionally intelligent when looking after your loved one can go a long way in supporting them. Simple gestures, like noticing what makes them perk up and introducing more of that activity or thing into their daily life will be beneficial. Offer appropriate physical contact in the form of a hug or a handshake and use their name to show that they are loved, respected and valued. Honing friendships and helping them maintain existing ones will provide an incredible enrichment to their daily routine. Lastly, people in dementia care often find it useful to reminisce about the past. Help them out by having a simple conversation and introducing familiar music, films, smells or objects into their life.

Tools to aid sensory activities for dementia patients

Looking After website provides a range of tools to aid sensory activities in support for dementia care. These include: 

• Tactile Twist – perfect for people with later stage dementia, it can be placed around the wrist and features a soft and soothing material to keep their fingers busy 

• Fidget Widgets – this product features five widgets, each helping with a particular motion. It can stimulate relaxation or assist in repetitive movements

• Monet’s Garden Jigsaw Puzzle – this is a great gift for those with a love of nature or art and stimulates cognition

• Fiddle Muff – tactile, with stimulating fabrics and full of character! This aid has an adorable face and will provide a perfect choice for a dementia patient who loves animals. It will help to keep their hands busy, while nurturing the feeling of companionship