Pinecone Turkey: Activities for Dementia Patients

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It’s probably going to look a little different this year as families take proper precautions to protect each other from COVID-19, but it should still be a day to connect with your family however you can.

Crafts are a wonderful way for families to engage with each other in person or over video conferencing. When a family includes a loved one with dementia, crafts can be an especially fun way for family members to connect with that person.

This simple pinecone turkey craft is incredibly easy and the end result is adorable. It’s a cute table decoration and a fun activity for family members to do together in a room or simultaneously in their own homes.

Pinecone Turkey

What You’ll Need: 

• Pinecone
• Googly eyes
• Orange felt
• Clear Glue
• Safety scissors

 Steps:

1. Cut a triangle beak out of the orange felt. (This can be done in advance if scissors are a concern.)
2. Glue the eyes on to the base of the pinecone.
3. Glue the beak below the eyes.
4. Drip clear glue in between the pinecone notches at the rear of the pinecone. This step is optional, but it helps keep the feathers in place.
5. Slide the feathers into place to form a tail.

 See more activities for dementia patients.

<h2>Caregiver Tips</h2>

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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Remember that the goal is to have an engaging activity with your loved one with dementia. You can coordinate the pillow with your home décor, but the real goal is a fun activity and a way to connect with your loved one. 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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