With its brilliant gold and crimson leaves, its refreshingly crisp temperatures, and its beloved holidays, autumn is undoubtedly one of the best seasons of the year. Unfortunately, it also seems to go by far too fast. Make the most of these last weeks of autumn by exploring fall activities for seniors with dementia. Not only will you enjoy some quality time with your loved one, but also these ideas may give them a cognitive workout!
Celebrating Autumn with Loved Ones with Dementia
Go on a scenic autumn walk.
You can’t talk about autumn without talking about the gorgeous falling leaves. Taking a walk around your neighborhood or a local park is a lovely way to appreciate the season’s natural beauty. You can enjoy some physical exercise, a lovely conversation, or maybe even take some photos or gather fallen leaves and pinecones for crafts. Speaking of which . . .
Make some fall crafts and decorations.
Why not get a little crafty when you have a free afternoon in autumn? You can create holiday decor for your home or perhaps some gifts for friends. If you want to use the leaves you collected on your scenic walk, you could do leaf pressing, leaf rubbings, or create leaf garlands. There are countless fall-themed craft projects for seniors.
Do a jigsaw puzzle together.
On a rainy or chilly day, when you just want to stay inside with a hot cup of coffee, how about doing a jigsaw puzzle? You can find a puzzle with a gorgeous autumnal scene to get you in the right spirit. Plus, searching for the puzzle pieces is a great way to get your cognitive muscles engaged. You could also enjoy some delicious fall snacks while you puzzle, like hot apple cider, cinnamon tea, popcorn, or a fall snack mix.
Enjoy fall-themed coloring pages.
Another perfect indoor activity is coloring! Coloring isn’t just for kids, as the adult coloring book craze from a few years ago proves. You can purchase a coloring book at your local bookstore or simply print out coloring pages you find online. This is a calming, meditative, creative hobby that anyone can do. You might like this gorgeous autumnal coloring book designed to “warm your heart and soul.”
Make homemade potpourri.
There is a powerful link between scent and memory. If you’re hanging out at home doing a puzzle or coloring, why not add some fall spice to your home with homemade potpourri? All you need is some fruit to dehydrate (apples, pears, oranges, lemons), warm spices (cinnamon, cloves, bay leaves), and some basic supplies (jar, knife, baking pan, oven). Essential oils like clove oil and orange oil are helpful too! When you mix these ingredients together, you can create a heavenly aromatic experience.
Reminisce over past Halloweens and Thanksgivings.
Take a walk down memory lane by pulling out your photo album and perusing photos from Halloweens and Thanksgivings past. You can share your favorite holiday memories or maybe even create a little craft project, like a scrapbook, a collage, or a greeting card for your loved ones.
We hope these fall activities for seniors with dementia help you make the most of the last few weeks of autumn. Savor the season until the last leaf falls!
Are you seeking an assisted living, memory support, or physician-directed nursing community in Kansas City? Check out The Piper. Our team of experienced and compassionate professionals ensures that residents feel secure and comfortable immediately. At our warm and welcoming community, which is truly a “home within a home,” we foster social interaction, engagement, and the right amount of care. Our residents always come first. To learn more about our services or to schedule a tour, please call us at 913-361-5136 or contact us online.