3 Tips on How To Engage A Person With Dementia In Activities During Christmas

Are You Ready to Create Joyful Moments This Christmas?

Christmas is a time of joy and family gatherings. But, when caring for a loved one with dementia, how can you make this season special for them too?

0:01:34 Tips for Engaging Persons with Dementia during Christmas

0:01:48 Engaging in Different Activities and Hobbies

0:03:06 Misconception: People with Dementia Don't Want to Do Things

0:06:06 Initiating Activities and Helping Loved Ones with Dementia Engage

0:08:16 Engaging in Activities with Dementia Caregiving

0:09:15 The Importance of Engaging in Meaningful Tasks

0:10:54 Taking Responsibility for the Outcome and Simplifying Tasks

0:11:19 Focusing on the Process and Outcome

0:13:41 Art vs Craft: Allowing Freedom in Expression

0:17:15 Misconception about People Living with Dementia

0:18:23 Join Dementia Caregiving for Families Facebook Group

Understanding Dementia and Engagement

It's a common myth that people with dementia don't want to engage in activities. The truth is, they often lose the ability to initiate tasks, not the desire to participate. Recognizing this can transform how we approach activities with them.

Simplifying Activities for Success

One key strategy is simplification. Break down tasks into manageable parts. This approach allows individuals with dementia to contribute in their own way, fostering a sense of accomplishment and involvement.

Creating a Supportive Environment

It's crucial to create a failure-free environment. This means adapting activities to suit their abilities and ensuring they feel successful, regardless of the outcome. Remember, it's the process, not the perfection, that matters.

Building Memories Together

Engaging in activities, whether it's folding laundry or singing carols, is more than just keeping busy. It's about creating moments of connection and lasting memories.

This holiday season, let's focus on what is still possible and cherish these moments together.

Remember, the essence of care is not just in the tasks we perform but in the love and memories we create. Let's make this Christmas a memorable one for our loved ones with dementia.

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Disclaimer: These blogs, videos and any work done by Lizette Cloete OT, as a Member of Think Different Dementia, LLC, is given only as educational content and consulting work. This does not create an Occupational Therapist-Patient Relationship. The educational content and consulting work performed should not be considered medical treatment as an Occupational Therapist. The consulting work does not take the place of medical work normally performed by a licensed Occupational Therapist. Please consult a licensed Occupational Therapist for medical advice.

“Think Different” Dementia’s owner, Lizette Cloete, OTR/L graduated as an Occupational Therapist from the University of Pretoria in South Africa in 1992. She and her husband emigrated to the USA in 1993, and currently reside in South Carolina. They have 2 daughters and one son-in-love, 4 cats, one dog and 16 chickens.

Lizette has almost 30 years of experience as an Occupational Therapist in a variety of settings, the latest being in the home health environment. Among her many accomplishments, she served on the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association’s Board of Directors from 2008-2014. She enjoys teaching on the topic of dementia, most recently presenting at a national conference on the topic “Dementia Made Simple”