Activities for Dementia Patients: Yarn Planter

Crafts can be an incredibly positive and engaging activity for a loved one with dementia. They can provide a variety of including promoting mental stimulation, social interaction, and a sense of accomplishment.

One of the key advantages of crafts is their ability to stimulate cognitive abilities. Crafting activities often involve problem-solving, memory recall, and decision-making, all of which can help exercise and maintain cognitive function in individuals with dementia. The yarn planter below is a very easy craft that encourages the use of fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, helping to maintain dexterity and physical abilities.

Engaging in crafts can evoke a sense of accomplishment and pride. Creating something tangible, whether it's a painting, a handmade card, or a piece of pottery, gives individuals with dementia a sense of purpose and achievement. Completing a craft project provides them with a visible reminder of their abilities and creativity, boosting their self-esteem and confidence.

Crafts can also serve as a form of therapy, promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and enhancing mood for both the individual with dementia and their loved ones. The process of crafting can be soothing and calming, allowing individuals with dementia to focus their attention and find enjoyment in the present moment. This can help alleviate symptoms of stress and agitation often associated with dementia, promoting overall well-being.

Yarn Craft

What You’ll Need: 

• Terra cotta planter
• Yarn (two colors)
• Clear Glue
• Saftey scissors

 Steps:

1. Add a drop of glue to the botton of the terra cotta planter.
2. Begin wrapping the planter with the yarn.
3. Add additional glue as needed to help keep the yarn in place.
4. When you reach the lip of the planter, switch to a new color of yarn.
5. Add another drop of glue and continue wrapping the planter with the new color.
6. Add a final drop of glue to keep the last piece of yarn in place.

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 or how they celebrated holidays as a child.
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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