Independent Activities
When selecting an independent activity, it is important to choose activities that are familiar to the person and that will help them to feel
successful.
Activities relating to work, within the home environment, are especially valuable. It is a good idea to choose an activity they have performed many times in the past, for example, activities such as sorting laundry and folding towels. These activities need to be simple tasks that they can perform easily and it will provide them with a sense of achievement. It is helpful to plan an activity ahead of time and when the person is calm. This will help to decrease their anxiety and help to manage their behaviors. Persons with Alzheimer�s disease often act out because of feeling disoriented in their environment. Independent activities can help them by provides structure and direction.
Control is still an issue for self-esteem and independence. Although decision-making can be frustrating, they can become more agitated if they are not provided with a choice. Repeating these choices for a second time and asking them to make a decision in a quiet and calm environment will help to increase their decision-making abilities.
*Some people may enjoy playing with dolls or teddy bears
Examples of independent activities are:
Sorting buttons
- Placing buttons in separate container depending on their color, size, or material.
- However, this activity needs to be supervised in case they swallow a button.
- They can also sort coins, playing cards, or laundry.
Shelling nuts
- This can provide a longer period of enjoyment for them, plus the nuts can be used for visitors.
Winding yarn or pulling apart an old sweater
- This is a popular task that families can use.
Stringing beads or lacing
- You can buy supplies for this activity from the dollar store.
Independant Games
-Coloring books & crayons, simple games, dolls, repetitive hand activities (folding towels/ winding yarn), memory box, and theme magazines with large pictures and little writing could be used for activities.
There are also many children�s educational games that can be used for
independent activities.
People with AD may also find comfort with their relationships with pets
-Dowling, James.Keeping busy : a handbook of activities for persons with dementia.
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