Activities for Dementia Patients: Yarn Owl Craft

Engaging in craft activities with a loved one who has dementia can be an immensely rewarding and therapeutic experience, both for the individual with dementia and their caregiver or family member. This practice holds significant value, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond the tangible outcomes of the craft itself.

First and foremost, crafting provides a channel for communication and connection. Dementia can create barriers to verbal expression, but through the creative process, individuals can express themselves, share emotions, and connect on a deeper level. Crafting serves as a universal language, fostering a sense of togetherness and reducing feelings of isolation and frustration often associated with dementia.

Crafting activities also stimulate cognitive functions. Choosing materials, following instructions, and problem-solving during the crafting process help maintain mental acuity, even in the face of cognitive decline. Furthermore, crafts can trigger memories, as the act of creating can be reminiscent of past experiences and hobbies.

The sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from completing a craft project can boost self-esteem and emotional well-being in individuals with dementia. It instills a sense of purpose and a feeling of being productive, which is crucial for maintaining a positive outlook on life.

Overall, crafting with a loved one who has dementia is a powerful way to enhance their quality of life and create cherished moments of connection. It can promote emotional well-being, stimulate cognitive abilities, and provide a creative outlet for self-expression. These shared experiences not only enrich the life of the person with dementia but also strengthen the bond between the caregiver and their loved one, making it a truly valuable and fulfilling activity.

Yarn Owl Craft

What You’ll Need: 

• A 3 inch x 4 inch piece of cardboard
• Yarn
• Felt in a variety of colors
• Black felt
• White felt
• Safety Scissors
• Clear glue

Steps:

1. Wrap the yarn around the cardboard until it is completely covered, tucking the ends in at the back. If needed, add clear glue at the top and bottom to secure the ends.
2. Cut two small triangles out of colorful felt.
3. Add a line of glue at the top of the cardboard.
4. Tuck the two small triangles in at the top to create ears.
5. Cut out two white circles from the felt.
6. Attach to the body of the owl with glue.
7. Cut out two very small black circles from the felt.
8. Attach to the center of the white circles with glue.
9. Cut out a long triangle from the colorful felt. 
10. Glue the triangle between the eyes to make a beak.
11. Optional: Add legs made from pipe cleaners and attach to a branch for a fun display.

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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