Summer Wood Sign: Activities for Dementia Patients

Typically, summer is a time of celebration. A time when we all stock up on burgers, hot dogs, and our favorite potluck ingredients. We invite family and friends over for picnics, barbecues, and reunions.

Summer 2020 will likely be very different from past years especially if we have a loved one with dementia that we need to keep safe. While we could choose to focus on all the changes and things we’re missing, we encourage you to create a new set of traditions.

One way to celebrate summer in a safe, socially distant way is to plan crafts and other home activities for your loved one with dementia. Crafts are a wonderful way to engage with a loved one while stay safe at home.

The summer wood sign craft below is easy to do and can be done out on a patio to take advantage of the fresh summer air. Treasure these times with your loved ones. It’s what matters most.

Summer Wood Sign

What You’ll Need:

• Wood frame or tray
• Acrylic paint in two colors
• Letter Stencils
• Paint brushes

Steps:

1. Paint the wood frame with a base coat of paint.
2. Let dry.
3. Select the letter stencils you will need to spell out your message.
4. Paint one letter at time, allowing each letter to dry before moving onto the next letter.

 See more activities for dementia patients.

Caregiver Tips

1. While doing activities with a loved one with dementia, engage them in conversation. Play music they enjoy softly in the background to create a positive mood.
2. Your frame will dry more quickly between letters if you do it outside in the warmth of the summer sun.
3. When doing crafts outside, please remember to keep your loved one hydrated and protected from the sun. They may not remember on their own.
4. Even though your loved one may not remember names or things that happened in recent days, they may still remember their childhood. Ask about favorite colors or clothing they used to wear.
5. Activities for people with dementia have the best chance of success early in the day when your loved one is well rested. If they don’t want to participate or get frustrated, don’t force it. Try again another time.
6. Remember that the goal is to have an engaging activity with your loved one with dementia. Don’t worry about the end result.

Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to support patients with dementia and their families. Please call us at 1-888-564-3405 to learn more about how our unique care programs help provide a higher quality of life for dementia patients while helping caregivers avoid burnout.

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