There are many reasons we might find ourselves having to spend prolonged periods of time inside this winter, whether it’s isolating for an operation or due to ill health, the idea of being stuck indoors yet again, might be daunting. Trying to keep mentally and physically active when you can’t leave the house might present a challenge, especially after we’ve used up all our good ideas in the lockdowns! However it’s important to keep active as much as you can and enjoy engaging, brain-boosting indoor activities as they are particularly beneficial to both those with dementia and their caregivers.
We’ve had a good think and have come up with a few things you might not have tried yet!
- Now that all the restrictions are lifted, our homes are once again open for visitors which can help make more of an event of day to day life. For example, cooking the same old recipes over and over again can become a chore, so why not invite a friend over to create something entirely different, and follow the recipe together. Not only do you end up with a (hopefully) delicious meal, you also get to send loneliness packing! If you can’t have anyone inside your house, try the same thing but on a video call, just having someone to chat to as you cook and compare notes with, can really help alleviate any loneliness and make the task seem fun.
- Video gaming might seem like something just for the young, but there is actually lots of fun to be had for all generations! The Nintendo Switch is a great one for playing with family and friends and is really easy to use. If you can’t splash out on a new or second hand one, ask friends, family or neighbours if you can have a go on theirs. There are lots of great games at all different levels that can be played standing or sitting down – from shaving to driving, shaking to milking – there’s something for everyone. It’s a great way to bridge the gap between the generations when grandchildren come to visit and a chance to keep the brain and heart active.
- Online Bingo – join up with friends either in your home or virtually on facetime and enjoy all the thrill of a full house from the comfort of your own armchair! Gala Bingo, Foxy Bingo – there are lots to choose from and you can join a game at any time of the day or night. The race to find all your numbers is bound to get the adrenalin pumping and there’s a chance to win some money too!
For quieter distractions, there are now a whole host of activity books and games available, to help focus on brain activity. We have had a look and these are our favourite:
- Memory Conversation Games – spark conversation from these memory cards
- Magnetic Dartboard set – this easy to set up and play magnetic dart board means you can have all the fun of the game without worrying about wayward darts ruining your house!
- Aqua Paints – simply paint water on to the reusable canvas and watch as the image magically appears.
- Puzzle Book – simple, ‘bite-sized’ activities for adults living with mild dementia. They’re also perfect as a shared activity, if you’re caring for a loved one.
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