The following information maybe helpful to you as a caregiver when planning activities for the person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

Activities are the “things that we do.” These include getting dressed, doing chores, playing cards, and even paying bills. They can represent who we are and what we’re about.

When planning activities, consider the following:

• The Person
  • What skills and abilities does the person still have?
  • What does the person enjoy?
  • Does the person begin activities without direction?
  • Does the person have physical problems?


• The Activity
  • Make activities part of your family routine.
  • Focus on enjoyment, not achievement.
  • Stress involvement
  • Look for favorites
  • Consider the time of day


• Your Approach
  • Offer support and supervision
  • Concentrate on the process, not the product.
  • Be flexible
  • Be realistic and relaxed.
  • Don’t criticize or correct the person.


• The Environment
  • Make activities safe.
  • Change your surroundings to encourage activities.
  • Minimize distractions that can frighten or confuse.
  • Substitute an activity for a behavior.

There are times when you want variety and other times when you welcome routine. The challenge for caregivers is to find activities that provide meaning and purpose, as well as pleasure.

Begin by thinking about the past week. Make notes about activities and experiences that worked and didn’t work. Try keeping a daily journal and ask yourself the following questions:

• Which activities worked best and which didn’t? Why?
• Were there times when there was too much going on or too little to do?
• Were spontaneous activities enjoyable and easily completed?

When structuring the day, consider the following examples of activities:

• Morning Activities:
  • Wash, brush teeth, get dressed
  • Prepare and eat breakfast
  • Have coffee and make conversation
  • Do some chores together
  • Take a walk
  • Play an active game
  • Reminisce about old photos


• Afternoon Activities:
  • Prepare and eat lunch
  • Clear and wash dishes
  • Listen to music
  • Do some gardening, take a walk
  • Take a short break or nap
  • Visit a neighbor
  • Do a crossword puzzle


• Evening Activities:
  • Prepare and eat dinner
  • Clean up the kitchen
  • Play cards
  • Watch a movie
  • Give a massage
  • Take a bath
  • Read a book