Home » Partners & Parents » Elderly Caregiving » Crafts for Alzheimer's Sufferers

Crafts for Alzheimer's Sufferers

© Marci Stocks

Crafts can be a wonderful activity, especially when the weather is warm enough to do them outside. This article focuses on the crafts that can be done with a loved one who has a dementing illness, such as Alzheimer's. Since dementia affects the brain activity, it is important to choose crafts that are less complex. The less number of steps, the better. When I volunteered in an adult day care center, we purchased craft books made for children. The later the stage of Alzheimer's, the younger the age of the book. We didn't use these books because we felt the participants were children, but because the instructions were easier to follow and also easier to explain. Five steps per project are much easier to follow then 15.

When doing any project you may have to alter the instructions or you may need to assist your loved one. It's very important to let your loved one do as much as he or she can. This way, they will feel like this is their project and piece of art. You may need to cut paper for them if their hands are a bit shaky or you may have to spread the glue if they have difficulty seeing. Use your best judgment. If all they can do is sprinkle glitter on a piece of paper, let them. This is a wonderful step for them to be able to do on their own.

Other then being a lot of fun, crafts do have other benefits. They can help in hand-eye coordination and they allow your loved one's imagination to come out. There is no such thing as right and wrong when doing a craft. It's all for fun.

There are many crafts that can be done: Card making, holiday decorations, baskets, flower arrangements, soap and candle making, and even baking. You can also use your own craft ideas or browse through books. If a project looks too difficult, you can do the harder steps, while your loved one helps you with the easier steps. Or, you can alter the project to fit your loved one's needs. There are no limits.

When doing a craft project, consider a few things:

1. Focus on what your loved one is able to do.
2. Allow your loved one to do as much as possible.
3. Do crafts that your loved one has enjoyed in the past.
4. Alter directions as needed.