Sensory
The sensory functions of elders decline as they grow older. Sensory activities improve the emotional and physical health of people living with dementia.
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Autumn Guided Meditation
This meditation about Autumn and "change" assists the elderly to cope with the changes that are inevitable.
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8 Ways to Provide Armchair Travel Experiences
While your residents may not be able to explore different parts of the world in person, you can give them the next best thing - a full travel experience without leaving the activity room!
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Gelli Plate Prints
Prints can be used to cover bulletin boards in rooms or cut to make greeting cards.
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Turntable Record Playing
We have a portable turntable and lots of records from back in the day, so I got a group of residents together for the afternoon. I gave them the choice of what they wanted to listen to but also chose a few to see if they could guess who was singing or what the song was called.
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Two of a kind massage
We learned this brief activity from the exercises of our wonderful drama therapist Danielle.
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8 Blends & Remedies: Massage with Essential Oils for the Elderly
Massage has a profound effect on the sensory nervous system, stimulating blood flow and improving health and wellbeing. For the elderly, many of whom are touch deprived, the benefits of massage go well beyond the physical.
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The Power of Touch in Senior Care
Touch is important for everyone; it is an essential part of our well-being. For the elderly, the healing power of human touch cannot be underestimated. Unfortunately, many seniors do not experience the simple act of touch on a daily basis.
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How to make Twiddlemuffs
Twiddlemuffs (or twiddlemitts) are knitted hand-warmers that provide sensory stimulation for people living with dementia. They keep restless hands busy and soothe and comfort those who are anxious or agitated.
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8 Hot and Cold Drinks to Share in Good Company
In nursing homes and other long term care facilities, the morning and afternoon coffee breaks are very special times when residents may welcome relatives and visitors to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee; strengthen friendships, and catch up with peers and staff.
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Sensory Pouches for Dementia Care
These touchy-feely sensory pouches (also known as squish bags and sensory pads) are a wonderful way to explore the senses. They are also so easy to make! Making sensory pouches is a quick and inexpensive way to make an engaging and relaxing sensory activity for people living with dementia.
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Scent Guessing
Sensory stimulation with familiar scents. A fun activity for seniors and the elderly living with dementia.
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Do-it-yourself Foot Spa
For many seniors, sore feet are a part of daily life due to the wear and tear of years gone by. Delight your clients by introducing foot spa sessions into your Activity Program.
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Soap Making Recipe
This is a great activity for sitting folks around a table reminiscing, uses all the senses!
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Scent for Pleasure
Evocation of familiar scents to stimulate long-term memories. Ideal for sight impaired seniors.
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Footbaths
Sensory stimulation. Reduce stiffness. A good alternative if your client cannot use the bath.
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Balloons and Bubbles
This suits all levels of dementia and ability. One lady can only smile. And she grinned from ear to ear when a balloon came her way.
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Puppetry for the Elderly
Joyous interaction with self and others is vital to health. I do not believe that puppetry is too childish for the aged.
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How to Make Sensory Blankets for Dementia Care
Sensory Mats or Fidget Blankets provide a soothing and stimulating activity for people living with dementia or recovering from strokes.
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Try a New Brew
I have bought a wide variety of teas from around the world. Each resident will have a china cup, we will have a bucket for any slops and some fresh water to rinse the cups.
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Sensory Stimulation for Dementia Care
Sensory stimulation is the activation of one or more of the senses such as taste, smell, sight, hearing, and touch. Sensory stimulation is a key component for improving the quality of life of people living with dementia.
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Mindfulness
I have also introduced an activity called "Mindfulness". It is a tool used by psychologist to help people with anxiety, depression, stress and other such ailments.
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Orange Sensory Experience
Provide residents with a sensory experience of warm scented washers using essential oil sweet orange.
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Sensory Boxes & Other Ideas to Stimulate the Senses
The sensory functions of elders decline as they grow older and this can impact on their feelings of well-being. Multi-sensory stimulation is becoming increasingly popular in nursing homes based on impressive results. Sensory activities contribute to the emotional and physical health of people living with dementia. Sensory activities can be non-verbal; thereby crossing cultural boundaries.
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Stringing Beads
Stringing beads is a simple and affordable activity for seniors that produces beautiful and satisfying results. This activity can be adapted to suit people living with dementia.
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Sensory Salt Garden
Sensory salt Garden can assist with behaviours and also serves as a communication tool, along with making your home smell wonderful. Let the imagination run free.
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Sensory Stimulation with Wind Chimes
Wind chimes have been around for hundreds of years. They have been known to have a healing effect on the mind; reducing stress and promoting relaxation and creativity.
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Homemade Snow (Sensory)
Make Homemade Snow quickly and easily! Great for winter events like the Winter Olympics.
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Play dough crafts
I work in a secure dementia wing and I found this activity excellent, even for vision impaired.
Thank you Marina for submitting this activity!14 Comments Member Activity
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How to make Bubbles
These are great for outdoor fun. However don't let wet weather stop you from playing indoors!
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Sensory Lap Quilt
Make your own sensory quilts to ease agitated or restless clients.
Thank you Chantal for this wonderful idea!10 Comments Member Activity
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Playdough Guessing Competition
A funny and engaging game you can play with playdough and a little imagination!
Thanks Christine for this fabulous idea!5 Comments Member Activity
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Snoezelen Rooms and Sensory Environments for Dementia Care
People living with dementia can benefit greatly from exposure to soothing and sensory environments.
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Air Swimming Fish
It's not everyday you have a giant fish swimming above your head as if by magic. Thank you Ron for this great idea!
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Comfort Activities for Dementia Care
Promote cognitive well being, provide fun and enjoyment, and establish old roles.
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Taste Day
Stimulation of taste senses. Provision of enjoyment.
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Sensory Patchwork
Enhance memories and provide stimulation by utilising interesting textures.
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Beauty Therapy
Provide sensory stimulation and enjoyment, ideal activity for Mother's Day
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Hand Massage & Nail Care
Make clients feel special and keep hands and nails clean.
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Compresses
Relieve muscle aches and increase circulation using essential oil compresses
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Baths or Spa Baths
Time out to relax and quiet the mind. A simple and effective way to use essential oils.
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Traci Pareti
Activity Consultant
United States
