Activities That Support Connection for People Living With Dementia
The forget me not flower is a symbol used by the Alzheimer’s Society - a reminder to remember people living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, as well as their caregivers.
When someone you love is living with dementia or cognitive decline, it can feel hard to know how to spend time together. Conversations may change. Attention spans may shift; vision or hearing may be impaired. Familiar routines may no longer feel easy.
The good news is that meaningful connection is still very possible — it just looks a little different. Activities don’t need to be complicated or “productive” to be valuable. Often, the most supportive moments come from shared presence, gentle engagement, and familiarity.
Below are activity ideas designed to support connection, dignity, and emotional wellbeing at every stage of cognitive change.
1. Familiar, Purposeful Activities
Activities tied to long-held routines or roles can feel grounding and comforting. They can build confidence and support identity.
Examples may include:
Working together folding laundry or towels
Watering plants or light gardening together
Setting the table or organizing cutlery
Sorting items by colour or size
These activities offer a sense of purpose without pressure and can support some easy conversation about some of our favourite things — and often spark quiet moments of satisfaction.
2. Music and Sound-Based Activities
Music can reach parts of the brain that language sometimes can’t - memories are triggered through emotion. Studies are being done on the effectiveness of connecting through music - it is proving to have some great results.
Try:
Playing music from their teens or early adulthood
Singing familiar songs together
Gentle movement or swaying to music - dancing if that’s something comfortable
Listening to nature sounds or instrumental playlists
Even when words are difficult, music often brings calm, joy, familiarity or recognition.
3. Reminiscence Without Pressure
Talking about the past can feel safer than focusing on the present, honouring their life experiences.
Ideas include:
Looking through photo albums together
Asking open-ended prompts like:
“What was your favourite place to visit?”
“What kind of work did you enjoy most?”
“Did you enjoy schoolwork?”
Watching old movies or TV shows from familiar decades
The goal isn’t accuracy — it’s about connection.
4. Sensory-Based Activities
Sensory experiences can be calming and grounding, helping someone living with dementia engage the senses when words are harder.
Consider:
Hand massage with lotion
Soft blankets or textured fabrics
Baking or cooking for familiar smells
Pet therapy or time with animals
These activities often reduce agitation and support emotional regulation.
5. Creative Expression
Creativity doesn’t require skill or memory — just opportunity. It helps encourage expression without rules.
Options include:
Painting or colouring
Simple crafts
Clay or playdough
Collage using magazines or photos
There’s no right or wrong outcome — just the experience of creating.
6. Gentle Movement
Movement can improve mood, sleep, and overall comfort. Gentle movement and exercise support physical and emotional wellbeing.
Some ideas to try:
Short walks in nature
Chair-based stretching
Simple yoga or balance exercises
Dancing to familiar music
Tai-chi is proving to be excellent for some living with the diseases
Remember to always adapt to energy levels and physical ability.
7. Quiet Companionship
Sometimes, being present is enough and the most meaningful activity is simply being together.
That might look like:
Sitting side-by-side
Holding hands
Watching birds out a window
Sharing a cup of tea
Presence matters — even when conversation doesn’t.
A Gentle Reminder
People living with dementia or cognitive decline are still whole people — deserving of dignity, choice, and connection. Activities don’t need to fill time or fix anything. They simply need to meet the person where they are.
Small moments of calm, familiarity, and shared experience can make a meaningful difference — for everyone involved.
More Resources:
If you need some more support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.