Looking for ideas of activities to do with your loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia this winter after the holidays? This week we've created a list of ideas that are fun, safe, and will get you through the winter season!
Musical Activities
Music is a great activity to get through those "winter blues". Listen to your favourite songs, singalong, and tap your foot to the beat! Music is a great way to reminisce on some lovely memories and bond when you don't know what to talk about.
Puzzles and Games
What better way to spend a cold, snowy day than playing some games! Engage in indoor active games such as horseshoes or bean bag toss or play cognitive games like cards, bingo, or puzzles!
Read a Good Book
Curl up in a blanket with your favourite book. At Marlena Books, we make reading easier for persons living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Read independently or together. Browse our books here.
Walking
Walking is a great activity to stay active during the winter months and boost your mood. If walking outdoors, make sure to bundle up and be cautious when walking on any slippery surfaces. It's a good idea to assess your path before braving the cold! If outdoor walking isn't for you, walk indoors! Many community centres offer indoor track walking, contact your local community centre for their hours. If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo region, the Rec Complex offers free public use of their walking track. Visit their website here to view their hours. Another option is to visit your local mall and walk around the mall, do some window shopping, and meet new people while staying active!
Social Gatherings
At Marlena Books, we value the importance of social connection. Make plans with your family and friends this winter. Keep a goal to plan a social activity once a week!
Visit with Animals
Inviting family or friends over? Ask them to bring their pets along with them! There are many benefits to spending time with animal companions. Earlier this year we featured a blog about animal companionship written by Allie Serota, an MA candidate at The University of Waterloo. To read more about animal companionship, click here.
Outdoor Activities
While the weather isn't always splendid, the winter season offers a lot of different activities to engage in! Take part in snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or a winter walk. Participate in your favourite winter activities while the snow lasts.
Bowling
If outdoor activities aren't for you, play a game of bowling! Bowling is a great way to stay active while indoors. Looking for features that suit the needs of your loved one with Alzheimer's or dementia? Many bowling alleys also offer adaptations such as bowling ramps, bumpers, and 5-pin bowling. Contact your local bowling alley for more information on their accessibility features.
Have a Hot Chocolate Date
Looking to get out of the house but you don't know what to do? Visit your local cafe and sip on some hot chocolate while watching the snowfall! This is an easy activity and you spend quality time together!
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is a great way to use your imagination and be creative. Craft stores sell stickers, paper, and much more to make a beautiful scrapbook! Scrapbooks are a great keepsake to look back on your favourite memories. We cherish this photo of Marilyn and her sister as young girls.
Watch a Sports Game
What better way to spend an evening than watching a sports game. As a Canadian company, we might be a little biased but we love hockey. Oh, the good old hockey game! Attend your local hockey team's game or watch a family member play hockey! If you can't attend a hockey game, read one of our favourite books, The Hockey Game.