Caring for special needs

Packers42351

Anyone have tips for activities for an adult with special needs who has alzheimers?

Bowerbird

It might help to know what stage of dementia your PWD is in and also what their disability is.

Off the top of my head, if they are able to use their hands, I would suggest sorting (by color or size) activities with colored items like buttons or poker chips, simple puzzles with larger pieces designed for children, folding washcloths, tearing paper for recycling (junk mail and catalogs), watercolor painting books.

The dollar stores have lots of things for kids crafts. Also use the Internet to search for activities for children and for adults with disabilities.

​fesk

It would help to have a general idea of the person's abilities. For example, early on, coloring is a good option. When it becomes more difficult, there are books with larger images to make coloring easier. When that becomes difficult, there are paint sets that use water. The person only has to dip the brush in water and paint anywhere. The image will fill in with all the colors as if painted that way. Those are reusable too. I have also seen things like dot art sets that can be done together. As mentioned above, there are many good craft sets.

caregiving daughter

Going for a drive

Garage sale

Resale shop

Folding towels and washcloths

Setting the table

Sorting through a toolbox/photos/jewelry box

Dusting