Activities for Dementia Patients: Golf Ball Ladybugs

As summer fades away, the approaching autumn is a wonderful time to do activities with a loved one with dementia outdoors. There are fewer concerns about heat and hydration, and instead, you can enjoy the mild, sunny days for as long as they last.

Crafts are a great way to engage your loved one with dementia in an activity you can do together. Crafts like the golf ball ladybugs below are easy and affordable. The texture of the golf ball can be soothing for those who fidget, and it can easily be scaled up to a more involved craft using paint instead of a marker.

Golf balls are available in sporting goods stores and online. The craft can be done using standard golf balls painted red or by purchasing red training golf balls.

Remember that activities with a loved one with dementia should be focused on an enjoyable time together. Don’t worry about what the final product looks like. Instead, use the time to chat or to listen to quiet music your loved one enjoys as you work together.

What You’ll Need: 

• Craft kit

 Steps:

1. Follow the kit instructions.

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.

If you found this information helpful, please share it with your network and community.
Copyright © 2022 Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care. All rights reserved. 

What You’ll Need: 

• Red golf balls
• Black Sharpie
• Clear glue
• Googly eyes

 Steps:

1. Draw a half circle on the top front of the golf ball.
2. Draw a line from the center of the circle to the other side of the golf ball.
3. Add three dots on each side of the line.
4. Add two dots of glue to the center circle.
5. Affix a googly eye to each dot of glue.
6. Allow to dry.
7. Display in a planter or on your lawn.

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.

If you found this information helpful, please share it with your network and community.
Copyright © 2022 Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care. All rights reserved.