Paper Windsock: Activities for Dementia Patients

The bright days of summer can be a boost for family caregivers caring for a loved one with dementia. However, the scorching hot temperatures can mean more time inside looking for new activities for a loved one with dementia. Crafts are an excellent way to engage your loved one.

When planning activities for a loved one with dementia, make sure to schedule them for the time of day when your loved one is most rested. Mornings are often good, but each person is different, so plan accordingly. Routine is important. Build the activity into their schedule without changing meals, naps, or other activities your loved one enjoys.

Plan activities like the paper windsock below that are easy to accomplish, giving your loved one a sense of accomplishment. The paper windsock is not just decorative. It is made using a variety of materials with different textures to provide tactile stimulation throughout the creation process.

Tactile stimulation has been shown to improve mood, socialization, and memory in those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or other dementia.

Most importantly, the paper windsock craft creates an easy way to connect with your loved one. You can chat with them or play music they love to enhance the atmosphere. Keep the moo light. The goal is a fun activity with your loved one with dementia. Don’t worry about the end result.

Paper Windsock

What You’ll Need: 

• Construction Paper
• Ribbon or paper streamers
• Decorative stickers
• Ribbon or string for hanging
• Tape
• Scissors

 Steps:

1. Curl the sheet of construction paper into a tube and seal with tape.
2. Cut ribbon at the length you wish for the windsock.
3. Cut 8-10 strips of ribbon of equal length.
4. Use tape to attach each ribbon to the inside of the paper tube.
5. Cut two holes across from each other near the top of the tube.
6. Slide a thin ribbon through the holes.
7. Hang the windsock.

 See more activities for dementia patients.

<h2>Caregiver Tips</h2>

1. If tape doesn’t work for your windsock, use glue or a stapler to attach the ribbons.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 © 2021 Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care. All rights reserved.