6 low-energy activities you can do to entertain someone living with Dementia (while in lockdown)

With the pandemic still active in most countries around the world, it’s easy to think about how much it is disrupting your life. While it’s terrifying and scary, I can’t imagine what it’s like for a caregiver living at home caring for someone with Dementia.

Being a caregiver is NOT easy. Being a caregiver during a WORLD-WIDE PANDEMIC, well, I can’t even imagine. If you are living with a loved one who suffers from Dementia, you may not be able to utilize the same community services that you once did back in early 2020. Perhaps, your loved one is only now starting to show signs and you need a little guidance on what you can do to help them keep occupied - especially during a lockdown. While we struggle to get back to a “normal” life, more and more caregivers are struggling with severe caregiver burnout. Unless you are living it – many people don’t understand how extremely exhausting it can be.

Below, you will find 6 low-energy and inexpensive activities to not only help keep your loved ones safe, happy and engaged - they also use up minimal energy for the burnt-out caregiver.

 
Go For A Drive

A long or short drive, it doesn’t matter. From my experience, people suffering from dementia always feel like they need to be going somewhere. Getting them out of the house is a perfect reason for both of you to get some much-needed Vitamin D. Sometimes, it doesn’t even need to be a long drive – just a lap around the block to give you and them, that desperately needed respite. Side note, depending on the stage of your loved one’s dementia, you may want to consider placing them in the backseat of the car with a warm blanket – and flip on those child-proof door locks. That way, you don’t have to worry about the door opening while in transit or when you stop at a red light.

Sit In The Backyard

The reason I love this activity – it’s simple and effective. Many years ago, I bought an outdoor swinging love seat for the backyard. I also went to our local dollar store and bought a birdhouse, birdseed, and a sun hat – all for under $10.00. Best investment ever. I can’t tell you how much Mom loved sitting in the chair, watching the birds while taking in the sunshine. Not to mention, YOU get to sit down and get an hour of respite too! Two birds as they say.

You may be thinking, “that’s great for you - you have an enclosed backyard, but I don’t”. That’s OK too! You can always ask a neighbour, relative or friend to borrow theirs for an hour. My advice is to make sure wherever you go, that you are in an enclosed space with a fence and gate so you can keep an eye on your loved one at all times.

Play Dolls

Um….what? You heard me! According to www.alzstore.ca, they say playing with a baby doll (or even a teddy bear) is a very effective way for a person living with Alzheimer’s/Dementia to decrease stress and agitation. A caregiver can also use doll therapy for dementia patients as a way to put responsibility, care and structure back into their lives. I’ve personally witnessed the power of the baby doll. When my Mom was admitted into a Long Term Care home, they presented her with her own baby doll. Not only did it provide her with a “companion” to hug and love, it also kept her distracted while the PSWs got her settled. If you’re a caregiver, this is an excellent tool to have on standby.

Looking At Old Photos

It’s amazing how someone with dementia may have trouble remembering what they just did a few hours earlier, but they can remember people, places or things that happened to them growing up. I recall reading a study that said many Alzheimer’s patients have some difficulty when it comes to short-term memory, but in some cases, they can remember personal events that happened decades earlier. I also remember someone telling me this: “If you show your Mom a picture of something/someone from her past, don’t keep asking ‘do you remember this’? Allow her to look at the picture – even if she is sitting in silence – as she may be recalling those memories and you don’t want to remove her from that wonderful memory”. Powerful stuff. From that moment on, when I would see my Mom sitting in silence, I knew she wasn’t sad but remembering happier times of the past.

Colouring

I love this activity because it brings out the kid in both the Dementia patient and the caregiver.  I must warn you, before you set up your table with colouring supplies, you may want to throw on an old tablecloth to protect the table - as the markers may end up off the paper and onto the table!  Be sure to buy markers/crayons with bright colours and a few colouring books with different size objects.  If your loved one seems frustrated, you can sit and colour together to help them along!   What’s great about this activity? A trip to your local dollar store will get you a few good colouring books and a set of markers for under $6.00.


YouTube Videos

It’s easy to forget that the person you are sitting beside may not understand what you are watching on TV – especially if it’s something like the news. So, after you are done watching your show, why not put on a few great music videos on YouTube! For my Mom, Elvis or the Beatles stops her in her tracks - she even gets up to dance! Adorable. Here are some YouTube channels you may want to check out:

Click HERE for Beatles YouTube playlist
Click HERE for Elvis Presley Greatest Hits
Click HERE for Oldies 50s, 60s, 70s playlist