Sensory stimulation activities can work wonders for seniors with dementia, helping them stay engaged, recall memories, and feel connected to the world around them. Whether it’s the soothing feel of a warm towel or the scent of fresh lavender, sensory activities can reduce agitation, improve mood, and even spark a few smiles.
This list covers 12 fun and simple sensory activities that can be easily adapted for different ability levels. Click on each title for full step-by-step instructions!
1. Warm Hand Towels & Aromatherapy
There’s something incredibly soothing about warm towels, especially when combined with relaxing scents like lavender or citrus. This activity provides comfort while engaging the senses of touch and smell. It’s a great way to start or end the day with a moment of relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Whether used for a quick hand refresh or placed over the face for a spa-like experience, warm towels with aromatherapy are an easy way to bring comfort and calm to seniors with dementia.
What you’ll need:
- Warm water
- Soft towels
- Essential oils (lavender, citrus, peppermint)
Step 1: Soak a towel in warm water, wring it out, and add a drop of essential oil.
Step 2: Gently place the towel in their hands or over their face for a calming effect.
Step 3: Encourage slow, deep breaths to enjoy the aroma.
Adaptations:
- For limited mobility: Have a caregiver gently press the towel on their hands or face.
- For scent sensitivity: Use unscented warm towels or a mild herbal tea soak like chamomile.
2. Textured Sensory Boards
Sensory boards are a fantastic way to engage the sense of touch, providing different textures to explore. By combining materials like soft fabric, rough sandpaper, and smooth silk, seniors can experience a variety of sensations. This activity encourages movement and curiosity while offering a safe way to stimulate the brain and hands. It can also be a great conversation starter, especially when incorporating familiar textures like an old sweater or a cozy blanket.
What you’ll need:
- A board
- Glue
- Various textured items:
- Sandpaper
- Felt
- Cotton
- Bubble wrap
- Silk
Step 1: Glue different textures onto a board in small sections.
Step 2: Encourage the senior to explore each texture with their fingers.
Step 3: Talk about how each texture feels—soft, rough, bumpy, etc.
Adaptations:
- For vision impairments: Describe each texture while they feel it.
- For cognitive difficulties: Use familiar textures like a piece of an old sweater or a baby blanket.
3. Scented Memory Jars
Smell is one of the strongest memory triggers, making this activity perfect for sparking nostalgic moments. Scented memory jars contain familiar smells such as cinnamon, coffee, or vanilla, encouraging seniors to recall past experiences. Whether it’s the scent of fresh-baked cookies reminding them of family gatherings or lavender bringing a sense of calm, this simple yet effective activity can be deeply meaningful.
What you’ll need:
- Small jars
- Cotton balls
- Essential oils
- Spices:
- Cinnamon
- Coffee
- Vanilla
Step 1: Add different scents to each jar—one with coffee, another with cinnamon, etc.
Step 2: Have the senior sniff each jar and see if it sparks any memories.
Step 3: Discuss the memories or emotions that come up.
Adaptations:
- For scent sensitivity: Use milder scents like chamomile or unscented familiar items like fresh bread.
- For low engagement: Pair with a short story or old photos related to the scent.
4. Gentle Hand Massages
Hand massages offer both relaxation and connection. The combination of gentle pressure and warmth from human touch can provide a sense of comfort, helping to ease tension and improve circulation. Using lightly scented or unscented lotion adds an extra layer of sensory stimulation, making this a soothing and enjoyable activity.
What you’ll need:
- Lotion or oil (unscented or lightly scented)
- Warm towels
Step 1: Warm up the lotion in your hands before applying.
Step 2: Gently massage the senior’s hands using slow, circular motions.
Step 3: Ask if they enjoy it and adjust pressure as needed.
Adaptations:
- For arthritis or pain: Use very gentle pressure and avoid stiff joints.
- For sensory defensiveness: Let them apply lotion to their own hands if they prefer.
5. Tactile Water Play
Water play isn’t just for kids—it’s a fantastic sensory experience for seniors too! The gentle movement of water against the skin is soothing and engaging. Adding small floating objects like rubber ducks or flower petals can make the activity even more interesting. Warm water offers comfort, while cool water can be refreshing on a hot day.
What you’ll need:
- A shallow bowl
- Warm water
- Small floating objects:
- Rubber duck
- Plastic flowers
Step 1: Fill a bowl with warm water and place a few floating objects inside.
Step 2: Let them swirl the water with their hands and feel the movement.
Step 3: Talk about how water feels—cool, soothing, refreshing.
Adaptations:
- For mobility challenges: Use a towel on their lap to catch spills.
- For added fun: Use scented water or colored lights for extra sensory stimulation.
6. Playing with Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is a fantastic sensory tool that provides a calming, moldable, and stress-relieving experience. Its soft, flowing texture allows seniors to shape and squish it easily, making it a great way to engage fine motor skills while offering a satisfying tactile experience. The unique properties of kinetic sand make it easy to work with, as it sticks to itself rather than hands, reducing mess and frustration. This activity is especially beneficial for individuals who enjoy repetitive movements or need a relaxing, hands-on sensory experience.
What you’ll need:
- Kinetic sand
- Plastic tray or shallow container
- Molds or cookie cutters (optional)
Step 1: Spread the kinetic sand on a tray or inside a shallow container to contain any mess.
Step 2: Encourage the senior to press, shape, or simply run their fingers through the sand to feel its texture.
Step 3: If they enjoy structure, provide molds or cookie cutters to create simple shapes. If they prefer free play, let them explore the sand naturally.
Adaptations:
- For dexterity issues: Offer larger, easy-to-grasp tools for pressing and shaping.
- For sensory sensitivity: Allow them to wear gloves if direct contact with the sand feels uncomfortable.
- For cognitive challenges: Guide them with simple instructions, such as pressing the sand into a mold or rolling it into a ball.
7. Sorting Fabric Squares
Sorting fabric squares is a simple yet engaging sensory activity that stimulates touch and cognitive function. Handling different textures like soft cotton, smooth silk, and cozy fleece can help seniors with dementia connect with familiar sensations and memories. This activity encourages gentle hand movement, provides a sense of accomplishment, and can spark conversation about past experiences with sewing, clothing, or favorite fabrics.
What you’ll need:
- Fabric squares of different textures:
- Soft cotton
- Silk
- Fleece
- Felt
- Velvet
- A basket or small containers for sorting
Step 1: Lay out the fabric squares and encourage the senior to feel each piece.
Step 2: Ask them to describe the textures—soft, smooth, fuzzy, or rough.
Step 3: Guide them in sorting the fabrics into groups based on texture, color, or personal preference.
Adaptations:
- For vision impairments: Describe each fabric’s texture as they feel it.
- For cognitive challenges: Reduce the number of fabric types and use distinct textures to make sorting easier.
- For limited mobility: Place the fabrics on a tray or lap desk to keep them within reach.
Sensory stimulation can bring comfort, relaxation, and moments of joy to seniors with dementia. Whether it’s the warmth of a hand towel infused with calming scents, the tactile exploration of a sensory board, or the familiar smell of cinnamon in a memory jar, these simple activities can spark engagement and create meaningful connections. Gentle hand massages offer a soothing touch, while tactile water play provides a refreshing and interactive experience. Try incorporating these activities into a daily routine and see which ones bring the most enjoyment and relaxation!
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