5 ways to adapt activities for someone with dementia

People at different stages of dementia will need different amounts of help. These guidelines help you adapt activities to suit your older adult’s current level of ability.

As the disease progresses, you’ll give an increased amount of help to compensate for a greater decline. Overall, the goal is to help them feel successful.

1. Set-up

Prepare the activity for your older adult. Do this when they’ll be able to complete the activity after it’s set up.

For example, help them brush teeth independently by putting toothpaste on their toothbrush and placing it next to the sink.

Or, layout each item of clothing on the bed in the order they’ll use to put them on.

2. Supervision

When your older adult needs a little more help, set up the activity, and stay nearby while encouraging them to complete it on their own.

You’ll be able to gently correct errors or solve problems that might come up.

For example, if the task is to wash dishes, you could set up a soapy sponge and stack the dishes next to the sink.

Then, stand nearby to make sure the water is the right temperature and so you can help if any spots are missed.

3. Prompting

When someone needs more help, you may need to prompt them so they won’t become frustrated.

If they get stuck, point out the next step, give them an item that’s needed, or ask what the next action is.

For example, when they’re getting dressed, you could point to the shirt first. When that’s on, point to the pants or ask “what’s next?”

4. Direct verbal cues

When prompting isn’t enough, your older adult may need to be gently guided through each step with simple spoken directions.

For example, if your older adult is washing their face in the morning, you may guide them with brief directions, allowing plenty of time to accomplish each step.

“Pick up the washcloth….Turn on the faucet…Put the cloth in the water to get it wet…Turn off the faucet…Squeeze the water out of the towel…Wipe your face.”

5. Physical assistance

When your older adult is still physically able to complete the task but needs physical help to do it, gently guide their actions.

Doing things this way can feel a bit silly to you, but it does help them feel like they’re participating and completing the task.

For example, if they were washing dishes, you could put your hand over theirs and guide them to gently rub the dish with the sponge.