Activity Ideas

• Remember, it’s not about being productive. It’s about being engaged in the moment.
• It is not about the expectations of the caregiver, rather the comfort of the person for whom the caregiver is providing care.
• Assess each activity for the many steps it takes to complete it. Each step is a specific task that the person can possibly do.
• Reduce all sources of frustration.
• Plan the activity and have any equipment needed to accomplish it nearby.
• Provide dignified support as needed. Guide a hand, describe what needs to be done next as you are moving through the task steps.
• If stress develops, stop the activity and take immediate action to reduce the stress

Creativity Ideas:

Create with clay
Paint or draw a picture (but be sure to never start with a blank sheet of paper)
Listen to music
Tell stories
Arrange flowers
Sort colorful objects
Take photos
Put a puzzle together
Read the newspaper or a good book out loud together
Record their stories or memories for family members
Start a family tree or a family video for all your family members to enjoy
Watch an old movie together
Reminisce with old photo albums

Outdoor Ideas:

Feed the birds
Sweep the patio
Wipe off patio furniture
Water plants
Rake leaves
Weed the flower bed
Plant seeds in containers
Plant something
Sand wood pieces
Wash the driveway
Take a walk
Go for a drive
Cut flowers for indoors

Daily Living Ideas:

Set the table
Fold clothes, towels, etc.
Wash silverware
Feed the pets
Dust
Run the sweeper
Sort Mail, or other papers
Peel vegetables
Sort nuts, bolts, nails, etc.
Sweep the floor
Shine the faucets
Make a simple dessert
Select an outfit to wear
Roll yarn into a ball
Plan a meal