Spa Time

"Spa Time" is a great way to help your loved one relax, and spend some quality time with you.

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Visit a Museum

A great way to entertain a loved one.

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Create a "Quiet Room"

A "Quiet Room" is a great place for your loved one to spend some downtime in a relaxed atmosphere.

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Movie Night

Choose a movie to watch together and set up the space with a special movie atmosphere.

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Reminisce

Talking about the past and familiar events with your loved one brings a sense of comfort.

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Sensory Botanical Garden or Conservatory Visit

Strolling through a garden to relax.

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"Spa Time"

"Spa Time" is a great way to help your loved one relax, and spend some quality time with you.

Supplies:

Pick and choose your spa supplies based on your choice of spa activities.

Lighting sets the mood with safe, battery-operated candles.
Aromatherapy supplies can include incense diffusers, essential oils, or even a bouquet of flowers.
For a foot soak, you can use a large pot or purchase an at-home foot spa kit.
Example Spa Kit.

Instructions:

Some ideas for "Spa Time" may include playing calming music and having some relaxing lighting (battery operated candles are inexpensive and safe.) Aromatherapy can also provide a tranquil sensory experience, lavender: rose, lemon and vanilla are popular scents. Arm, hand and scalp massages are excellent as well. Another popular idea is a foot soak in warm, scented water, followed by a gentle foot massage.

Visit a Museum

Going to a museum is a great way to entertain a loved one that requires minimal effort on the part of the caregiver with the exception of travel. There are many different types of museums so whether it is art, history or a specific exhibit your loved one is interested in, there is much to explore.

Instructions:

Inquire about what your loved one is seeing or experiencing. Ask them what they like about the piece or to describe it to you.\nSome museums offer dementia-specific days where the collection and presentation is designed to accommodate those with memory care concerns. Check your local resources to find out if a museum near you offers this type of program. Local calendars such as this New England calendar, are available online.

Create a "Quiet Room"

A "Quiet Room" is a great place for your loved one to spend some downtime in a relaxed atmosphere.

Supplies:

A place with a comfortable chair.
A familiar object to hold.
A favorite sweater or blanket.
A much-loved snack.
Favorite music playing.

Instructions:

Designate a room or space with bright light and minimal sensory distractions. Perhaps calm music or a puzzle can be brought into this space.

Movie Night

Choose a movie to watch together and set up the space with a special movie atmosphere.

Supplies:

Choose a movie to watch. A great choice might be something that they have already seen from their youth.

Instructions:

Make popcorn or a preferred snack.
Bring a favorite blanket or pillow.
Remove shoes and change into comfortable loungewear.

Reminisce

Talking about the past and familiar events with your loved one brings a sense of comfort.

Supplies:

Photo albums or history picture books.

Instructions:

Share favorite memories or look through old pictures together.

Sensory Botanical Garden or Conservatory Visit

Strolling through a garden or creating/tending your own is a great way to engage the sensory system in a soothing way that incorporates smell, sight and touch.