Q: What does "Dementia - Friendly" mean?

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A: Working towards "dementia - friendliness" is a process that involves all aspects of the environment in our town of all of our residents. While it is important to look at physical spaces ,transportation,and places that people can go; it is equally important to raise public awareness and education, promote social inclusion, and eliminate stigma around Dementia.

 

It is about attitudes towards trying to make every - day community life easier for people with Dementia and their care - partners. It is about reducing additional challenges for people who already have daily struggles. It is about fostering relationships that make it easier for these members of our community to live in our Town. However, we must remember that working towards"dementia - friendliness" is not something to be "achieved" within a set time frame but rather an ongoing process.

 

 

Q: What are Dementia Friendly Activities?

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A: There are many activities that can be dementia friendly for an individual. It depends on what brings joy of a feeling of purpose. It also important to find activities that are easy and low-stress so that the person with dementia will benefit from them. Here are some ideas that can be customized based on individual interests and habits.

  

   Home Life

For those who enjoy taking care of their home consider the following activities:

• Baking

• Creating Flower arrangements

• Watering Plants

• Setting the table

• Vacuuming/Dusting

• Doing laundry/Folding laundry

• Doing dishes

              

        Outdoor Life

Consider these activities for those who enjoy being outdoors:

• Gardening

• Weeding

• Relaxing in a hammock

• Woodwork

• Managing a bird feeder

  

   Social Life

For those who thrive on culture and social gatherings, consider:

• Visiting a park

• Shopping

• Volunteer work

• Live Music

• Attending a play

• Going to a Cafe

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       Artistic Life

Try some of these activities with those that appreciate arts and crafts:

• Photography

• Adult coloring books

• Painting

• Pottery

• Knitting/ Crocheting

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          Personal Life

These types of activities are for those who enjoy being pampered:

• Manicure/Pedicure

• Aromatherapy

• Massage

• Pet Visits

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             Individual Life

For those who are introverted, try some of these activities:

• Organizing/Sorting

• Reading

• Writing

• framing Photographs

• Listening to music

• Watching old movies

• Looking through family albums or scrapbooks

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       Work Life

For those who miss their jobs, these activities might prove beneficial:

• Working at a desk

• Using a computer

• Filing papers

• Anything that reminds them of their previous occupation

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           Physical Life

Physical activities may work great for those who enjoy a good workout:

• Water aerobics

• Yoga

• Walking/Jogging

• Lifting hand weights

• Exercise bike or Elliptical machine.

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You can find activity kits at Westford's JV Fletcher Library! Some of the items you can find are:

• Dementia Friendly Puzzles

• Cognitive Card Sets (Image Snap)

• Reminisce Cards 

• Reminiscing/ Therapy Music

• Reminiscent Books

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