The best activities for dementia patients

Interactive indoor games

There are a variety of simple indoor games that can keep the brain active. They can also be used to spark conversation and social connection, here are a few examples:

Jigsaw puzzles - shown to improve memory and slow cognitive decline in adults over 50, jigsaw puzzles can bring a shared sense of accomplishment. If necessary, go for puzzles with larger pieces for easier handling and an image that the person with dementia will enjoy.

Card games - people with early-stage dementia may still be able to enjoy more elaborate rules, otherwise childhood favourites are often a winner. The original Uno, Go Fish or Top Trumps are easier to follow and enjoy - and you can get the grandkids involved too.

Board games - similar to card games, keeping to board games with simple rules is usually best to avoid frustration. Snakes and ladders or dominoes can help keep the brain active and provide a sense of achievement. They are also great in a group setting.

Spending time outdoors

Getting sunshine on your face and fostering a connection with nature is important for everyone, including people with dementia. Being outside in a garden or nature space stimulates the senses, reduces anxiety and boosts a positive mood. Here are a few outside activities for dementia patients:

Gardening - the nurturing act of lightly tending a garden can have such a positive impact on people with dementia. Growing herbs and flowers, watering the garden or doing some gentle weeding are all great activities. And if the weather is warm, reward yourselves with a garden picnic.

Take a gentle walk - rather than distance, focus on taking the time to stop and look at things on your walk. The view from the bench, the colour of the autumn leaves, the texture of the tree bark - try to immerse yourselves with all your senses.

Feeding ducks at the pond - another great activity to get the grandkids involved. If the person with dementia is mobile enough, a trip to the local park and duck pond is a lovely day out. Even sitting on a pondside bench, listening and observing, will stimulate the senses.

Arts and crafts

Expressing yourself through art and craft can be powerful connector for people with dementia. They can make something that can be gifted and shared, something that is valuable to themselves and their family and friends. Here are some crafty activities for dementia patients:

Sketching or drawing - drawing your surroundings encourages people with dementia to observe the world around them. All you need is a set of pencils - standard or coloured - and a pad of paper. Suggest views or objects to sketch that can spark conversation.

Make a photo album - those of us that remember cameras with a reel of film often have a drawer or box full of old photos. This is a perfect opportunity to go through family snapshots, childhood photos and favourite holidays, and talking about these positive memories.

Scrapbooking - if a photo album relies too much on memory, try scrapbooking. Select a subject such as wildlife or travel and find relevant old magazines to cut out and stick into a scrapbook. The dexterity required to sort, cut and stick will help with hand mobility and, as always, be sure to discuss the pictures they’ve selected.

Enjoy familiar hobbies and pastimes

Ultimately, the best activities for dementia patients are the same passions and interests they had before they got their diagnosis. Anything you can do to support continuing these hobbies will help maintain skills and self-confidence.

So, if the person with dementia is a knitting enthusiast, offer soft yarn and simple patterns to complete. If they were keen bakers, ask them to help with simple kitchen tasks like mixing dough or decorating cakes. If they loved gardening, enjoy some flower arranging. And if they loved music, encourage them to join a group singing session - proven to support better general well-being.

Music Therapy

Music has an incredible ability to reach people with dementia, even when verbal communication becomes difficult. A familiar melody can spark memories, lift spirits, and provide deep emotional comfort. Here are some musical activities for dementia patients:

Sing-alongs and group sessions - Listening to music in a group setting is a wonderful way to encourage social connection. Even those who struggle with speech often recall lyrics, allowing them to engage and express themselves. Personalised playlists featuring songs from their youth or meaningful moments can trigger positive emotions and a sense of familiarity.

Rhythmic activities - Clapping, tapping, or playing simple percussion instruments provide gentle movement and help with coordination. Music also has a calming effect, reducing anxiety and agitation. Live performances—whether from local musicians or family members—can be an uplifting and soothing experience, bringing joy and relaxation.

Music therapy is more than just sound—it’s about connection, memory, and wellbeing. Whether it’s a nostalgic song or a shared musical moment, music has the power to bring comfort, happiness, and a sense of belonging to those living with dementia.

Compassionate care for people with dementia

At Beechcroft Care Homes, we’re always ready to welcome new residents. Whether it’s for a week, a month or more, we deliver our exceptionally high standards of care and compassion to all.

We aim to be highly flexible for respite care and are almost always able to accept arrivals on any day of the week. For more than 20 years, we've worked hard to build caring communities where everyone feels valued, and residents feel truly at home.

If you would like to enquire about respite care in Torquay, or would like to ask a question, please get in touch with us via our contact us page.