Engagement Activites

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• Engagement activities create purpose and lead to relaxation and satisfaction.
• The activities stimulate the brain and help keep the cells communicating with one another.
• Connecting with another person during an activity creates moments of joy.
• When choosing an activity, match interest with capability.
• Discontinue an activity if it leads to confusion or frustration.
• If an activity has multiple steps, provide guidance as needed, one step at a time. Listening to a series of things to do then trying to remember and perform them can be challenging.
• Think creatively and do not be afraid to try new things.

ACTIVITIES AT HOME

Creative

• Color with large crayons
• Chalk pastels
• Watercolors
• Paint-by-number
• Paint with water

Crafts

• Cut pictures out of magazines
• Create shapes and mosaics with different colored papers
• Magnetic letters or shapes on a metal tray
• Do needlepoint with large, plastic needle and large-hole canvas
• Arrange flowers, real or artificial
• Thread beads or pasta on string or shoelace

Fun

• Puzzles with larger pieces
• Large LEGO/DUPLO blocks
• Bake cookies
• Knead dough
• Playdough
• Clay
• Pattern blocks and boards

Games

• Large tic-tac-toe
• Ring toss
• Cornhole
• Simple board games
• Matching games
• Bingo with animals or instruments

Technology 

• Simple games on the iPad such as popping balloons or bubbles
• Live cams at zoos and aquariums
• Explore favorite places, cities, museums, etc. using internet sites
• Scroll through google images of a favorite subject like Golden Retrievers, daffodils or Paris

Career-focused

• Consider career or hobbies and simplify skills associated with it, such as:
  • Stuffing envelopes or folding paper
  • Typing or using an adding machine
  • Changing a baby doll’s clothes or folding clothes
  • Drawing with a ruler and pencils

Homemaking 

• Help set the table, dry dishes, and prepare food as able (e.g., pour pre-measured ingredients into a bowl and stir).
• Shake cream in a jar to make butter
• Repetitive tasks, such as folding washcloths or balling socks (large quantities can be purchased for a low cost at dollar stores)
• Sort coins, buttons, colored pom-poms, clothespins, colored plastic silverware, or keys using a sectioned tackle box or multiple containers
• Assemble large nuts and bolts together
• Fit PVC pipes together
• Untie large loose knots in rope
• Tinker board or busy apron

Music

• Rhythm is in the right side of the brain and it is typically intact for a long time.
  • Listen to favorite songs
  • Engage members of the care team by asking them to create playlists
  • Use a simple music player
  • Purchase simple musical instruments, such as rhythm sticks or bells (or make a shaker by putting rice in a container)
  • Clap hands in rhythm with the song
  • Dance

Physical activities

• Go for a walk in the neighborhood or on a nearby track
• Yoga or T’ai chi classes
• Chair exercises
• Garden
• Weed
• Water plants
• Feed the birds
• Sweep
• Rake leaves
• Relax outdoors, observe the sights and sounds of nature
• Have a picnic (indoors or out)
• Going for a drive
• Attend a sporting event
• Play catch with a large beach ball
• Play volleyball with balloons

Doll or pet therapy

• Help care for a family pet, including walking, feeding, and brushing
• Purchase a stuffed animal dog or cat (especially mechanical ones that make them appear more lifelike)
• Watch fish in a tank or birds in a cage
• Care for a doll

Relaxation

• Spa day
  • Schedule an appointment or create a home spa with foot soak, pedicure, manicure, and massage.
• Look at old pictures and reminisce
• Watch family videos
• Watch reruns of a favorite sports team, including a Super Bowl or World Series
• Look at memorabilia or favorite treasured trinkets
• Watch favorite movies
• Read from a favorite book or poem
• Look through vintage magazines or catalogues
• Make photo books or a life story book
• Recite favorite spiritual verses, inspiring quotes, prayers, or songs
• Participate in religious services (in person or online)

Volunteer

• Visit website for Hands On Charlotte for volunteer activities.

Outings

• Visit website for Charlotte’s Got a Lot or Charlotte on the Cheap.
• Check the local newspaper or neighborhood publication for updated calendar of events.
• Check the local library or senior center for upcoming activities.