Joyful Connections: Social Activities in Dementia Care

Cambrette Care supports not only individuals living with dementia but also those involved in their care network. In the initial phases of dementia, especially where the focus tends to lean towards logistics and safety, it is important to remember the role of fun and relaxation. Doing things that we enjoy is necessary for us all to have comfort and connection, and that doesn’t change just because someone has dementia. Purposeful and enjoyable pursuits can maintain a sense of normalcy, happiness, and connectedness, forming an integral part of comprehensive care. Social activities can also stimulate cognitive function, reawaken memories, and facilitate both verbal and non-verbal communication, which is especially critical in dementia care when conventional communication methods may become challenging.

Adapted Activities

Social activities should be accessible, intuitive, and adaptable to varying cognitive abilities. It can also be a good idea to consider activities that a person enjoyed before dementia and how to adapt them. So, for example, someone who is a keen gardener might not be able to manage the upkeep of a large area, but they may still enjoy maintaining an herb garden. Facilitating activities that individuals cherished prior to dementia, suitably adapted to their current abilities, allows them to reconnect with their passions and maintain a sense of identity.

Here are a few ideas which we have found can work well:

• Memory Boxes: crafting personal memory boxes with cherished keepsakes can ignite recollections and pleasure.

• Gardening Activities: simplified gardening, involving tasks like planting or nurturing plants, provides sensory joy and a feeling of achievement.

• Musical Interludes: engaging with music, whether through listening or simple instrument playing, can evoke memories and offer emotional resonance.

• Artistic Expressions: simple artistic endeavours, such as bold colour painting or easy crafts, offer sensory engagement and a channel for creativity.

• Simple Games: such as throwing balls, doing puzzles, or playing snap or memory card games.

The Role of Friends and Family

The way a person’s support network chooses to engage with them can make all the difference. By not just taking on administrative tasks but also participating in fun, relaxing activities, people often better understand their loved ones' emotional and cognitive landscape, fostering empathy and strengthening relationships. Furthermore, these shared experiences can offer precious moments of respite for caregivers.

Joy As Part of Care Plans

Where possible, we recommend integrating these sorts of social activities into the daily care routines, making them a regular source of joy and engagement. It's important to observe the preferences and responses of the individual with dementia, tailoring activities to suit their interests and cognitive levels. Encouragingly, even brief sessions can make a significant impact, contributing to a positive mood and overall quality of life.

At Cambrette Care, our holistic approach encompasses a breadth of activities that reinforce joy and connection, even amidst dementia's challenges. For a conversation about how Cambrette Care can assist you or a loved one, please contact us at 01534 633083 or email info@cambrette.com.