With winter quickly approaching, it is recommended and common to start introducing more appropriate winter activities for those suffering from dementia. There are various great activities which are beneficial for skill development, keeping the mind active and encouraging individuals to socialise with like-minded people.
Whether you’re looking for ideas for engaging activities or are interested in activity suggestions to host at an arts and crafts session, we have complied some of the most popular activities that are ideal to carry out indoors, while keeping cosy and warm during the cold weather.
Top 6 Winter Activities For Those Living With Dementia In Aberdeen
Arts and Crafts: Arts and Crafts, such as painting and and wreath making are great options for the elderly, especially those living with Dementia in Aberdeen. Arts and crafts encourages creativity and self-expression without being physically demanding. As winter approaches, it’s the perfect time enjoy making Christmas themed decorations and even gifts for friends and family. Activities could include making paper chains, paper snowflakes, seasonal paintings and much more. For those with good control over their fine motor skills, you could even consider crafts such as pottery which can be great fun for older individuals.
In addition to the enjoyment of creating something and feeling a sense of accomplishment, attending an arts and craft session also brings wellbeing benefits due to the social interaction it naturally provides. Group activities encourages people to spend time with residents, staff, family members and the broader community which creates friendships and bonds. Arts and crafts classes go beyond simply painting a picture and it’s guaranteed everyone will have a great time.
Cooking & Baking: For those who enjoy cooking, recreating favourite meals is a great way to bring a healthy dose of nostalgia to anyone’s day, especially for people suffering with dementia. We recommend choosing a simple, easy-to-prepare recipe that is straight forward to prepare and make. During the wintertime, festive dishes, including those passed down through generations, can help rekindle those important memories while enjoying good food that’s been made with love. No-bake cookies, decorating a cake and other activities can serve the same purpose while reducing health and safety risks.
Safe Winter Walks: Despite the colder temperature, it’s still important to get fresh air and exercise throughout the winter months. Getting outdoors comes with a host of mental and physical benefits and it's something we recommend doing safely and as regularly as possible. You could travel to a scenic nearby location for a leisurely walk, enjoy lovely views, take a flask and even enjoy a picnic or even bird watch. This activity can be enjoyed with a loved one as well as in a big group. It’s important everyone is wrapped up warm - especially those in wheelchairs as they will be less mobile and therefore feel the cold more.
Movie Marathons & Family Videos: A simple and effective activity to do during the winter period is to cosy up under a blanket with a hot drink and enjoy a movie. Movies have the power to bring people together and allow them to share emotions and prompt discussions about the storyline.
Home videos are also something that can be enjoyed on the big screen. Home videos have the ability to spark memories and stimulate nostalgic moments. We recommend to not ask, "do you remember” too many times as that can become frustrating and overwhelming for those living with Dementia. Even if a loved one doesn’t remember, we find it’s still incredibly beneficial to share videos of people and events from their life.
Puzzles: Activities such as puzzles and board games are hugely beneficial for mental stimulation and development, which can help to slow down the progression of certain health conditions. By enjoying puzzles of all types and levels of difficulty, either in groups or alone, allows individuals to partake in a fun-filled activity that gets them fully engaged.
In any stage of Dementia or Alzheimer's, puzzles are said to have the ability ease some of the symptoms and provide stimulating comfort to individuals, as well as provide a sense of control. Puzzles, especially personalised photo puzzles, can reawaken memories in those living with Dementia and can even improve problem solving skills.
Music & Singing: According to SCIE, dancing improves mood and can strengthen the bond of trust between people. This type of occasion is ideal to carry out in the month of December and the lead up to Christmas as festive themed hymns and songs can be incorporated. Listening to and singing songs that are widely known and recognised help us to reminiscence, which sparks wonderful memories bringing people together during one the most the special times of year.
As stated by NHS England, music can have many benefits in the setting of dementia. It can help reduce anxiety and depression, help maintain speech and language and enhances quality of life, so it’s important that memory care facilities incorporate music into their activities schedule.
Receive High-Quality Care for Dementia in Aberdeen at Woodlands Care Home
Here at Woodlands Care Home, we're proud to offer exceptional dementia care in Aberdeen and our purpose-built home has been designed specifically with dementia residents in mind. Our home is comforting, welcoming and safe. We have a team of professionals who have had extensive training in all aspects and levels of dementia and memory loss and all of this training ensures that every resident is treated with the highest levels of care and respect.
We have an excellent team of wellbeing coordinators who always go above and beyond identifying activities which are appropriate for those living with dementia in Aberdeen. Experience has shown us that through daily planned activities within a home environment, mental and social stimulation and interactions are improved, as well as easing off any tension or frustrations. If you'd like to know more about our dementia care team and how we can support your loved one, we welcome you to get in touch with us today.
