Duct Tape Vase: Activities for Dementia Patients

Don’t wait for April showers to bring you May flowers. Brighten up your rainy days with a colorful craft that will bring you and your loved one with dementia some added joy.

Crafts are a wonderful way to engage with someone with dementia. Not only does it create a positive activity that you can do together, these types of relaxed creative activities have a number of benefits for your loved one with dementia.

Craft projects can lower stress and create a feeling of accomplishment that heightens self-esteem in those with dementia. It also gives them a creative way to express themselves which is particularly important for those who have challenges with communication.

Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia often experience agitation and frustration. Crafts can help to distract from these feelings by providing tactile stimulation and a project to work on. It also provides a way for your loved one to re-connect and engage with you and other family members.

Remember that the goal of crafts like this easy duct tape vase is to have some positive time together. So just have fun! Don’t worry about the end result.

Duct Tape Vase

What You’ll Need: 

• Mason jars
• Duct tape in spring colors
• 1-inch craft tape
• Safety scissors (optional)

 Steps:

1. Wrap duct tape around the mason jar.
2. When the ends meet, rip or cut the duct tape.
3. Continue up the jar until it is completely wrapped in duct tape.
4. Add craft tape as a highlight.
5. Fill with your favorite spring flowers.

 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. 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. 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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