Crafting with Dementia Patients: Leprechaun Hat Centerpiece

 A craft with a dementia patient is a fun way to bring them into daily activities with the family.

Many who are diagnosed with dementia have a tendency with withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. An easy craft helps a dementia patient engage again. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests looking for favorite activities, like listening to music or reading the newspaper, and then finding ways to incorporate them into new activities to increase the dementia patient’s engagement.

Holidays are a great place to look for ideas for craft projects. This Leprechaun Hat Centerpiece is an easy activity that becomes a lovely holiday decoration, just in time for Saint Patrick’s Day.

What you’ll need:

• Green planter

• Silk flowers

• Black and yellow construction paper

• Glue stick

• Self-adhesive foam core (optional)

Steps:

1. Select a planter that has drainage holes in the bottom for easy assembly.

2. Flowers can be any color. The local dollar store may have Saint Patrick’s Day themed flower pieces. You can also find imitation white carnations, roses and greenery anywhere crafts are sold.

3. Turn the planter upside down.

4. Add the flowers by inserting them into the drainage holes and then arrange them to your liking.

5. Wrap a band of black construction paper around the hat and secure with a glue stick.

6. Add a buckle to the band made from construction paper or yellow foam core.

Special tips:

1. Get your loved one involved by starting the activity yourself and asking them to join in.

2. Take note of the size of the stems for the flowers you select. If they have a wide base, you may need to cut them to individual stems before beginning the activity.

3. For a fancier arrangement, use a small silver picture frame in place of the paper buckle.

4. Be flexible and don’t criticize. Enjoy the activity even if the end result isn’t perfect.

5. While doing the craft, play music your loved one enjoys and engage them in conversation.

6. Activities have the best chance of success in the morning between breakfast and lunch when your loved one is well-rested. If they don’t want to participate or get frustrated, don’t force it. Try again at another time.

See more dementia craft ideas on our Pinterest Board.

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