Beyond Bingo!
Creating joyful, purposeful moments for those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia goes far beyond bingo. In dementia care, one of the greatest challenges is finding activities that truly enrich the lives of individuals while meeting their unique cognitive and physical needs.
Too often, activity schedules are filled with games like Bingo—an enjoyable pastime, yes, but one that may fall short of the meaningful engagement many individuals crave.
Moving beyond traditional activities offers an opportunity to connect with individuals on a deeper level, providing not just entertainment but genuine moments of joy, purpose, and comfort.
The key to creating these moments lies in understanding the whole person:
- Past interests
- Abilities
- Sensory cues that bring them happiness.
Activities that stimulate multiple senses—such as smell, touch, or sound—help anchor individuals to the present moment, making it easier for them to experience feelings of calm and connection.
Sensory stimulation taps into long-term memories and emotions, which often remain intact even as other cognitive functions decline.
Equally important is personalization.
While Bingo or other standard games may entertain for a while, tailored activities speak directly to who an individual is at their core, drawing on past professions, hobbies, or favorite pastimes.
For instance, rather than playing a game…
- a former carpenter may find more satisfaction in assembling simple wooden projects or handling familiar tools
- a former teacher may enjoy organizing materials or helping others with reading activities
- a former restaurateur may find more satisfaction in arranging table settings, helping with meal preparation, or sharing favorite recipes
- a former security guard may like participating in safety checks or assisting with routine tasks
- a former pharmacist may find sorting and organizing items or assisting with simple inventory tasks enjoyable
The list is endless and just serves to show us how many ideas are out there. By aligning activities with a person’s history and preferences, we empower them to feel competent and valuable.
Another benefit of adapting activities for dementia is the power of shared experience. Whether it’s listening to familiar music or engaging in simple crafts, meaningful activities offer a bridge to connect with caregivers, family, and friends.
These interactions become memorable because they are rooted in emotion, memory, or sensory appeal. They foster a sense of companionship, ward off loneliness, and support emotional well-being.
By moving beyond standard activities and exploring a wider range of engaging, sensory-rich experiences, we create moments that bring purpose and joy to individuals with dementia.
In these moments, they are not merely participants; they are individuals valued for who they are and who they have been. And in dementia care, where feelings of disconnection can often prevail, this approach makes all the difference.
Join us on Thursday, November 7th to learn more.
