Turtle Candy Dish: A Craft for Dementia Patients

No visit with the grandparents is complete without hard candy. This easy-to-make Turtle Candy Dish is a perfect place to stash treats for the grandkids — and a few for you!

For loved ones with dementia, craft projects are a perfect way to engage together. Not only is this project cute and handy, it takes a little longer to complete than some other activities, granting a longer opportunity to socialize and connect.

Play music your loved one enjoys and chat as you work. Avoid asking questions from the recent past like what they had for breakfast. Instead ask them about their time growing up. Many people with dementia struggle with short-term memory loss, yet they can clearly recall events from their youth. If they state something that you know to be incorrect, don’t argue with them. Allow them to tell their story, their way. Stay upbeat and affectionate. 

This dementia craft is an activity you’ll want to do with your loved one so you can both be involved in making the various parts come together. Focus on one piece at a time rather than the end result. Quick-drying acrylic paint will ensure that by the time all the pieces are painted, it will be ready for assembly.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 flay ceramic saucers
• 4 mini ceramic flower pots
• 1 foam ball
• 2 complementary paint colors
• Glue
• Googly eyes
• Stickers
• Pen

Steps:

1. Start by painting the outside of one of the saucers. This will become the lid for your candy dish.
2. Next paint one half of the foam ball in another color. Put it aside to dry.
3. Paint the base of each flower pot in the same color as the ball.
4. Go back to the now-dry ball and paint the other side.
5. Paint the base of one of the saucers the same color as the flower pots and ball.
6. Arrange the flower pots together like feet. Add glue to the top of each and set the same-colored saucer on top.
7. Add the googly eyes and use the pen to draw a smile on the ball to give your turtle a face.
8. Glue the ball to one end of the saucer. A book or small block can help hold it in place.
9. While the glue dries, decorate the fully-painted lid with stickers.
10. Fill with candy and enjoy!

Caregiver tips:

1. Regular school glue will work for this project. For a stronger hold, you may want to consider using a hot glue gun.
2. Get your loved one involved by starting the activity yourself and asking them to join in.
3. While doing the craft, engage your loved one in conversation.
4. Activities have the best chance of success in the morning between breakfast and lunch when your loved one is well rested. If they don’t want to participate or get frustrated, don’t force it. Try again at another time.
5. If your loved one has dementia, a hospice care team can provide support for both the patient and family. This added assistance can be key in avoiding caregiver burnout.

See more dementia craft ideas or caregiver tips on our Pinterest Board.

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