What are the best things for dementia patients to do with their hands?

Dementia is a complex condition affecting a person’s cognitive ability and can impact everything from their memory, problem-solving skills and language skills in day-to-day life. This can be extremely difficult for the person with dementia to come to terms with, especially as the condition progresses and they become more reliant on others for help with simple tasks.

Many dementia patients will also experience increased anxiety or agitation because of the condition, and one of the ways this can manifest is by increased fidgeting, especially with the hands.

Finding ways for dementia patients to occupy their hands helps keep them engaged and focused. We have fidget toys, books and board games across our care homes in Plymouth, and we've found that it's a therapeutic way for our patients to help reduce feelings of anxiousness and agitation.

Below, we share some of the best things dementia patients can do with their hands, which are not only fun but also engaging.

Benefits of giving dementia patients things to do with their hands

Activities that involve using the hands offer numerous benefits to dementia patients, including:

· Providing a sense of purpose

· Reducing anxiousness/agitation

· Increasing their independence

· Improving hand-eye coordination

· Boosting self-expression

· Improving communication

· Providing a creative outlet

· Giving them a chance to reminisce

Things for dementia patients to do with their hands

Fidget toys

Fidget toys are small, tactile toys designed to help individuals focus and regulate their emotions. There are various fidget toys available, from spinners and poppers to stress balls. They are usually small enough to be carried around in a person’s pockets, which means people with dementia can access them whenever needed.

It is a good idea to try out several different types of fidget toys with your loved one and see which provides the most relief when they are stressed or anxious.

Doing jigsaw puzzles

One of our favourite things for dementia patients to do with their hands is a jigsaw puzzle.

Not only do jigsaw puzzles help improve hand-eye concentration, but they are also a great way to encourage social interaction and enhance communication. Friends, family or other care home residents can all get involved, which helps to foster relationships as the jigsaw takes shape.

Simple knitting or crochet

Although complex patterns may be beyond many dementia patients’ abilities, simple projects like a chunky scarf with larger knitting needles and brightly coloured yarn can be therapeutic. The soothing, repetitive motion can provide occupation and boost hand-eye coordination while also offering a chance to reminisce about an activity they remember doing when younger. Plus, the finished garment can give a sense of accomplishment even if it isn’t perfect.

Mimic household chores

Many dementia patients may not be able to manage day-to-day chores any longer, but giving them tasks that mimic household chores can help provide occupation for their hands while helping maintain a sense of purpose and independence.

Some of the best household things for dementia patients to do with their hands include:

· Folding laundry – Choose easily manageable items like tea towels or hand towels that can be folded easily.

· Smooth paperwork – Gather some unimportant crumpled paperwork and ask them to uncrumple the paper. To add to the activity, you can try using different coloured paper and asking them to organise it into piles.

· Preparing meals – Ask for help with simple meal preparation tasks like buttering bread for sandwiches or setting the table.

Art therapy

Painting or drawing has long been used as therapy, so it should come as no surprise that art is also extremely beneficial to those living with dementia. From helping to alleviate anxiety and agitation by allowing people to get creative and express themselves to focusing their hands and mind on the project.

Artwork can also be a great way to evoke forgotten memories in dementia patients and painting has been found to be valuable in helping people living with dementia communicate in a non-verbal way.

Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is one of the best things for dementia patients to do with their hands as it not only gives them a chance to engage their hands but can also be a great way to reminisce.

The motor skills required for cutting, glueing and arranging pictures offer occupation for fidgety hands and anxious minds, while choosing old pictures to cut up can help bring back memories and reconnect patients with friends, family and loved ones.

Get expert dementia care

At Wisteria House Care Home, we provide compassionate and considerate dementia care across three small independent care homes. Designed to offer a comfortable home-from-home environment, each site offers a safe, familiar and comfortable setting that can be enjoyed by residents and family members alike. This ensures those living with dementia can continue to live life on their own terms while receiving the expert support and care they need.