Celebrate Spring with These Dementia-Friendly Activities

The sun has been shining and the weather has been getting warmer! We’re all getting the itch to get outside and enjoy the blooming flowers and fresh air after months of iffy weather and shorter days. While Spring makes many of us think about getting into our gardens to plant vegetables or flowers or doing some deep cleaning around the house, it’s important to include our senior loved ones in our plans. Aging can bring forth a lot — limited mobility, impaired hearing or vision, loss of appetite, dementia, and even depression. When we add diseases like dementia into the mix, it can make it more difficult for your loved one to take part in recreational activities. 

Here are some great Spring activities that are good for any senior, including those with dementia. 

1. Have a picnic. Baker Park is a great place to have a picnic! There are several areas with benches and there are multiple picnic tables near the Edward P. Thomas Pool. 
2. Concert in the Park. Speaking of Baker Park, there is an Easter concert at the Bandshell happening on Saturday, April 8th from 6 – 8 PM.
3. Plant flowers. Nowadays, there are adaptive gardening tools for seniors with arthritis that make it much easier and enjoyable to plant flowers or seeds. 
4. A potluck. Do something simple outside and have a Spring-themed potluck with the family.
5. Look at photo albums outside. Grab your photo albums and head out to the patio or deck. This is a great way for your loved one to reminisce and share stories. 
6. Ask them about spring-related topics. Speaking of reminiscing, you could ask your loved one questions about spring, such as:
   1. How did you celebrate Easter when you were younger?
   2. What was Spring weather like where you grew up?
   3. Did you play any Spring sports?
   4. Did you like to work in the garden as a child?
7. Color. Head to the dollar store and grab a bunch of coloring books and crayons. Spend an hour or two coloring with one another. Did you know that coloring uses parts of your brain that enhance focus and concentration, which helps disconnect from stressful thoughts?

While these activities may bring you great joy, we understand that it may be difficult for you to find the time to do them. If this is the case for you, companion care may be a great option for you. It can keep your loved ones active, both mentally and physically, and allows them to connect with someone. If you’d like to discuss how this may be a good fit for you and your loved one, request an in-home care assessment.