With dementia affecting 1 in 11 people over 65 in the UK, and numbers rising due to longer life expectancies, finding ways to enhance the wellbeing of those affected is increasingly vital. Lilian Faithfull Care, a Gloucestershire-based charity, is leading the way with five expert-approved activities designed to uplift mood, stimulate memories, and foster social connections for individuals living with dementia. Supported by research, these activities offer safe, engaging, and meaningful experiences tailored to the needs of those with the condition.
Yvonne Kelly-Fox, Dementia Lead Specialist at Lilian Faithfull Care, explains: “Activities like these are more than just fun for the individuals with dementia, they’re an essential part of care. Engagement with nature, music, and creative expression can have a profound impact on cognitive and emotional well-being.” Below are five carefully curated activities that promote mental health and quality of life for people with dementia.
Memory garden strolls
Sensory gardens filled with fragrant plants like lavender provide a calming outdoor experience. Research from the Alzheimer’s Society highlights that time in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing. Lavender’s soothing scent may also alleviate symptoms such as sleeplessness and agitation. Gentle gardening tasks, like planting or watering, further encourage engagement with the environment, offering both physical and emotional benefits.
Music sessions
Music is a powerful tool for people with dementia, often improving mood, perception, and behaviour. A 2024 study found that tailored music therapy can significantly reduce agitation and anxiety in those with advanced dementia. Whether through group sessions or a personalised playlist of favourite songs, music can evoke memories and create moments of joy. Lilian Faithfull Care incorporates music into its programmes, ensuring residents connect with familiar tunes.
Sensory play
Engaging the senses through touch, sound, and visuals stimulates cognitive function and provides comfort. At Lilian Faithfull Care’s Royal Court in Cheltenham, the newly opened Lavender Unit features a purpose-built sensory space with soft lighting, calming music, and soothing furnishings. This tranquil environment encourages relaxation and sensory exploration, helping residents feel grounded and supported. Such spaces are backed by research showing sensory stimulation can enhance cognitive engagement.
Reminiscence art
Creating art with personal keepsakes, old photos, or newspapers offers a creative outlet and sparks meaningful conversations. This activity, often facilitated at Lilian Faithfull Care, encourages individuals to share memories tied to images or objects, fostering emotional expression. Reminiscence-based activities can improve mood and cognitive function in people with dementia, making scrapbooking or collage-making both therapeutic and enjoyable.
Gentle outdoor exercise
Regular physical activity can lower the risk of developing dementia by up to 20%, according to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Activities like Tai Chi, chair yoga, or light strolls promote memory function and positive behaviours. Lilian Faithfull Care integrates these exercises into its programmes, ensuring they are accessible and safe. For example, chair-based yoga allows participants to stay active without overexertion, supporting both physical health and mental clarity.
These activities align with broader efforts to improve dementia care through meaningful engagement. The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) emphasises person-centred care, noting that tailored activities can significantly enhance quality of life. Lilian Faithfull Care’s approach reflects this, creating environments where individuals feel valued and connected.
As dementia diagnoses rise, with over 944,000 people currently affected in the UK according to Alzheimer’s Society, such initiatives are crucial. By incorporating nature, music, sensory play, art, and exercise, caregivers and families can offer enriching experiences that uplift those living with dementia. These activities not only provide joy but also support cognitive and emotional health, making them a cornerstone of effective dementia care.