Thursday Thirteen – 13 Activities to Keep Alzheimer’s Patients Busy During the Holidays

Alzheimer’s Entertainment – Thursday Thirteen

What can you do to keep Alzheimer’s patients occupied at Christmas time?  It depends on where they are in the Alzheimer’s spectrum, how much they realize, can communicate or move around.  However, here are a few suggestions  (posted on Wednesday so you can plan for Thursday, Christmas Day.)

1. Let him/her help prepare the meal with simple tasks, such as tearing bread for dressing, stirring, snipping, reading recipes…and reminiscing while doing it.
2. Set the table for Christmas breakfast/brunch or dinner.
3. Fold napkins for the meal…and other meals during the holidays.
4. Watch tree trimming activities.
5. Sing along with CDs or simply listen to Christmas carols.
6. Watch holiday movies on DVD.
7. Help make Christmas decorations for the tree and various rooms.
8. Play card and board games if they’re able.
9. Put jigsaw puzzles together.  They may need simple ones with large pieces.
10. Look at picture books with holiday scenes.
11. Help put together Christmas scrapbooks.
12. Help wrap gifts.
13. Go on a ride with you to see the colored lights.

Adapt these to fit your needs and that of the Alzheimer’s patient.  Glancing through this list may give you ideas for others you can do with your family member.

(Century Novelty image)