Meaningful Activities for People Living with Dementia
Meaningful activities begin with knowing the person—their interests, familiar routines, skills and preferences. Music, gardening, colouring, cooking, movement or a quiet conversation can offer opportunities for enjoyment, connection and self-expression.
Choose activities that suit the person’s abilities and how they feel on the day. Offer choices, allow time and provide support without taking over. There is no need to complete a task or achieve a perfect result—the focus is on comfort, dignity and enjoying the experience together.
Preparation
- Choose a comfortable, well-lit space and reduce clutter, noise and distractions.
- Invite the person to choose an activity and help prepare it where possible.
- Have materials ready, offering only what is needed for the current step.
- Give clear, simple instructions and demonstrate one step at a time.
- Adapt the activity to the person’s interests, abilities and support needs.
- Encourage participation without testing memory or correcting mistakes.
- Choose safe, suitable materials and provide supervision where needed.
- Ensure glasses, hearing aids or other aids are available if used.
- Offer familiar music if the person enjoys it, keeping the volume comfortable.
- Watch for signs of tiredness or discomfort. Offer a break, change activities or finish when needed.
- Ask care staff for help with seating or positioning when appropriate.