Taking part in activities, including everyday tasks, can have powerful benefits for the physical and mental wellbeing of a person with dementia. Activities can help them stay healthy, active, and independent. They can also help someone express their feelings, retain their skills and self-esteem, and stay motivated. Activities can also be an opportunity for carers and people with dementia to do things together and to connect with each other.

Cooking, household tasks and gardening

You can keep – or start – cooking, as long as it is safe for you. If it becomes difficult, there are some small changes that can make things easier.

For example, you can:

• ask someone to help you in the kitchen
• try recipes that have fewer steps or ingredients
• use pre-prepared ingredients such as ready-made sauces or chopped vegetables

Many jobs around the home also provide a good form of gentle exercise and can help you to keep physically active. These include:

• doing housework – e.g. washing up, folding clothes or dusting
• gardening – e.g. gently weeding the garden, maintaining houseplants, or growing herbs or flowers in window boxes.

You can ask someone to do these tasks with you if this makes them more enjoyable or easier.

Hobbies 

There are many creative activities that you can still enjoy or try out at home. These include:

• painting
• playing an instrument
• knitting
• writing

Continuing any hobbies and interests like this can help you to maintain your skills and self-confidence after your diagnosis.

Any activity that exercises your mind is also good for you. For example, you might enjoy:

• reading
• board games
• crossword puzzles
• online games or apps

Reminiscence

Reminiscence activities are based on encouraging a person to recall memories from their past. It can involve simple conversations about things like pets, favourite foods or stories from the school days.

The benefit of reminiscence is that many people with dementia struggle with short term memory but are often able to recall long term memories. Reliving these memories can help to build confidence whilst also showing the person that they are valued and loved.