Being connected with others is an essential part of being human and that doesn’t change when someone has dementia. There are activities that help build a deeper bond with your loved one that has dementia. We are going to share those activities with you:

Follow These 9 Tips To Make a Connection

Often people with dementia can only remember their younger years, recalling on childhood memories. This is where we can touch base to make connections with those memories.

1. Memory Bag

Creating a memory bag that includes things of your loved ones early years, such as scented items can initiate memories. Scent is one of the strongest sensations tied to memory. These items can be a perfume or soap that they used. Also, scents from the holidays are including gingerbread cookies can help as well.

2. Photo Albums

Sitting down and looking through photo albums together of times in their childhood are a good way to stimulate early memories. Hopefully, they can share stories with you of their early years. Also, providing magazines from that time is a good way to reach those memories as well.

 3. Reading Together

Reading one of their favorite books aloud to them can help build a connection. Let them hold the book, feeling the pages and allow them to enjoy the “old book smell.” Poetry can work very well to read aloud because the rhythm of the words are familiar and calming.

4. Play Favorite Music

Make a playlist of their favorite songs from their teenage years to evoke positive emotion. This can build a positive bond and share a powerful moment together with music.

5. Sing

Most of us grew up singing christmas carols and singing these songs can bring up a lot of memories. Also, If your loved one went to church then sing old hymns with them. Even basic nursery rhymes, such as twinkle little star can bring up memories of their childhood.  

 6. Old Movies

What type of movies or shows did they grow up watching? Try to find ones from their time and watch them together . Find out if they liked musicals, dramas, or westerns. 

7. Walk in Nature

Find out what your loved ones favorite outdoor activities were and try to recreate that scenario. Going for a walk is a healthy way to get outside and be in touch with nature. See if certain sounds, smells , or sights stimulate memories that they would like to share with you. 

8. Cooking Together

 Sharing old recipes and cooking together is a good way to relive moments of the past. The joys and smells of cooking bring back memories of good times with the family. Talk about where the recipes came from and how you would like to keep the traditions going. 

9. Favorite Candy

Childhood treats can make almost anyone happy. Reliving those moments of your childhood with your favorite candy is a big treat! Find a candy store that sells old favorites and share them with your loved one.

Fairmont Grand Senior Living Community

Fairmont Grand is a resident-centered senior living and memory care facility in Rapid City, SD. Our goal is to create an environment where resident well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

Our wide range of services are designed to meet you or your loved one’s daily needs. We offer restaurant-style dining options, a variety of physical activities, and give residents the opportunity to live as independently as possible.

If you or a loved one near Rapid City, South Dakota are considering assisted living or memory care, contact Fairmont Grand to learn more about individualized living options or tour our community.