Activities for the Confused Elderly

Activities for the confused elderly should stimulate the mind and engage the body at levels that are appropriate to the individual.

More great ideas for activities for the elderly.

Ranging from the sudden onset of confusion, known as delirium, to various forms and degrees of dementia including Alzheimer’s Disease, the term confused elderly means different things. However, in all circumstances, it is essential to gear activities to the proper intellectual and physical level of each person while ensuring a positive result and promoting feelings of success and improved self-esteem.

Activities that are too difficult for a confused elderly person may result in feelings of failure, inadequacy or frustration possibly leading to depression and withdrawal. If you see that an activity is causing the elderly person to become upset, try distracting him or her in some way. Make changes to modify the activity, discontinue it or switch to a different activity. On the other hand, activities that are too simple or seem too childish may be perceived by the individual as embarrassing or demeaning.

Whether your confused loved one attends an adult day care, is cared for at home or is a resident of a nursing home, there are a number activities that can be enjoyed in a group setting or with one or two other people. Often the most popular activities are variations of those that were enjoyed in younger years.

Often confused elderly people find music calming. They enjoy listening to songs from their past. Some may sing, hum or whistle along with the tune, while others may dance or clap their hands. On occasion, an elderly person may want to play a simple instrument, such as a tambourine or a triangle, to the music.

With guidance, many confused elderly people enjoy molding soft, non-toxic clay or putting together a woodworking project that is pre-cut with pre-drilled screw holes. Many arts and crafts projects are easily adapted to the skill levels of the individual.

Even if a confused elderly person who enjoyed playing cards, board games or sports can no longer play the same games he or she once did, you can try variations so your loved one can play similar activities. Consider the following suggestions:

• An active person who once enjoyed bowling may like skittles or carpet bowling.
• A former poker or bridge player can try playing a counting or matching game using a deck of cards or a pair of dice.
• Soft foam balls are great for a game of catch, or play volleyball by hitting a balloon back and forth.

Many confused seniors find comfort doing familiar household activities and chores. Examples of these activities include:

• Cooking simple food items
• Dusting
• Folding clothes
• Clearing the table after mealtime
• Helping prepare food such as salad or vegetables
• Putting away silverware

• For a chance to be outdoors, some seniors may like simple gardening activities such as watering flowers with a hose, digging a hole for a new plant or planting vegetable seeds.
• Take a walk with a loved one and share the beauty of nature such as flowers in a park, birdsong, or changing cloud formations.
• Do crossword puzzles or word searches together

• The Activities Index from Alzheimer’s Outreach provides information on appropriate levels of activities for the confused elderly.
• Aging Parents Authority
• Gilbert Guide

Although there are many activities for the confused elderly, take time to choose functions and hobbies in line with an individual's interest, and modify them based on particular needs.

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