Published May 29, 2024 · Updated September 7, 2026
Keeping the hands busy can help people with dementia feel calmer, more engaged, and more in control. Simple activities like folding laundry, using sensory objects, crafting, playing music, or working with familiar items can ease restlessness while encouraging movement, focus, and meaningful connection.
Dementia, or any kind of memory loss, can be extremely difficult on the patient and those who care for them. It affects the behaviors and day-to-day functions of those who suffer from it. A lot of their negative behaviors stem from the anxiety they get, which can cause them to have restless hands. Through memory care, these patients can engage in intentional activities with their hands to mitigate this as much as possible, especially before the condition gets too severe.
Finding meaningful things for a person with dementia to do with their hands can make a big difference in their daily routine. Some people with dementia become restless, fidget with clothing or blankets, repeatedly rub their hands, or seem unsure of what to do with themselves. Simple, familiar activities can provide a sense of purpose while encouraging movement, creativity, sensory engagement, and connection.
The best activities for someone with dementia are not necessarily complicated. Folding towels, sorting objects, listening to familiar music while clapping along, arranging flowers, looking through photographs, or working with different textures can all give a person something purposeful to do.
When choosing an activity, consider the person’s interests, abilities, stage of dementia, and safety needs. The goal isn’t to complete a project perfectly. It is to create an enjoyable experience that helps the person feel engaged, capable, and connected.
Why Hands-On Activities Can Help People With Dementia
The two most common behaviors in patients with dementia are agitation and restlessness. Certain medications may cause restlessness, or the urge to fidget to avoid certain sensations. However, the main reason for feeling restless is anxiety. Whether they are anxious because they cannot continue a hobby they used to love, are confused at the changes happening, or cannot remember a certain memory, they do not feel in control of their lives anymore. These anxious feelings can also make them feel agitated and behave negatively toward others since dementia can decline some of their reasoning.
Instead of these behaviors resulting in fidgeting hands, the patient can take control and do things with their hands on purpose. This will give them a sense of independence and calm their anxieties. It can also keep them mentally stimulated and jog their memory. Here are some ideas and activities that patients can do to help dementia symptoms from getting worse.
Choose activities based on what feels familiar, safe, and enjoyable for your loved one—not on completing the task perfectly.
15 Things for Dementia Patients to Do With Their Hands
Sensory Objects
Feeling objects that activate different senses through the patient’s body and mind can help keep them in the present moment.
1.
Fidget Blankets
These are blankets that include different textures and objects such as zippers, pockets, tassels, ribbons, beads, toys etc. for the patient to play with and keep their hands busy. They can also be personalized with things that the patient enjoys to trigger certain memories they have had.
2.
Tactile Turn Toy
The turning motion of this toy soothes the patient and gives them a sense of calm. It also stimulates many nerve receptors in the fingers, helping the brain make connections.
3.
Marbles
Patients can rub marbles or something hard and smooth between their hands to feel a sense of peace in doing something small but simple to calm their restless hands.
4.
Counting Coins
A simple but effective task is for the patients to count coins and arrange them. They make coin organizers where each slot is for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. This helps them make mind-to-muscle connection of which colors and sizes of the coins go where.
5.
Folding Laundry
Folding clothes or blankets can be a soothing activity for those with dementia. It is also a task that is useful to get done. When completing folding a pile of clothes, the patients can feel a sense of accomplishment from their productivity. This can ease the sense of irritation they may feel.
6.
Pipe Cleaner Sorting Activity
Use a simple pile of balled-up pipe cleaners for them to sort and untangle. You can add beads, as well. They can untangle and then sort by color or length. This creates a soothing texture, low pressure task, and adds creativity and accomplishment.
Creative Activities
Doing crafts can help patients spark creativity in their brain and give them something to keep their hands working.
7.
Scrapbooking
Scrapbooking is an amazing way for patients to be creative. They can use their hands to cut, glue, and arrange pictures. This can also be a good activity for jogging memories, where they can use photos they have taken or photos of themselves to bring them back to that specific moment.
8.
Painting
Painting can serve as a relaxing activity, where the patient also has the freedom to create what they are feeling. Even if they paint with a template, such as a paint by numbers, they are improving their cognitive function by completing each “task” and moving on to the next.
9.
Flower Arranging
This creates a sense of accomplishment for the patient. It is a simple task that can be done sitting or standing, but allows them to choose how they want their flowers to look. If they use fresh flowers, the aroma can also bring them back to certain moments and memories. This is also a great activity they could do with others and be able to socialize with.
10.
Knitting
Simple knitting patterns can help patients with basic cognitive skills and motor function. It can also help them get into a rhythmic routine with their hands.
Music and Rhythm Activities
These activities can help improve their mind-to-muscle connection, especially through their hands.
11.
Musical Instruments
Music itself proves to be therapeutic for dementia patients. Through instruments, they are able to use their hands to create rhythmic sounds. Whether that be shaking maracas, banging on the drums, or pushing keys on a piano, they are creating sounds from their motor functions, which their brain can begin to piece together.
12.
Clapping
Clapping is a simple but effective activity for dementia patients. One thing they can do is listen to the song and clap to the beat. This allows them to focus on the rhythm while keeping their hands moving in a sort of pattern that gets rid of the restlessness.
13.
Write Lyrics
Writing can help dementia patients continue to improve their motor skills while thinking creatively. Song lyrics specifically can help them think of past stories or memories that they can share through words. This can also be therapeutic because they are getting their thoughts out on physical paper which can help their minds be more clear.
Calming and Cognitive Activities
14.
Massages
This may require assistance from a memory care provider, but can be done on their own as well. Massaging the hands and fingers can relieve tension in the muscles and relax the patient. The rhythm of the motions can stimulate multiple senses for them. It can also be beneficial to apply essential oils to massage in the hands because it hits more nerve endings and the aroma of certain oils can bring a sense of familiarity.
15.
Memory Games
Patients can play card games, matching games, math games, or complete puzzles to constantly improve their cognitive skills. These games can also help with reasoning, judgment, and other thinking skills that decline at the start of dementia.
How to Choose the Right Activity
When choosing an activity for someone with dementia, consider their abilities, interests, and comfort level. An activity that was once a favorite hobby may need to be simplified as dementia progresses. Look for activities that feel familiar, provide a sense of purpose, and are easy enough to enjoy without causing frustration. Some people may prefer quiet activities like sorting or looking through photographs, while others may enjoy music, crafts, or simple household tasks. The goal is not to complete the activity perfectly, but to encourage engagement, independence, and enjoyment.
Use Familiar Objects to Encourage Connection
A person’s past can provide some of the best ideas for dementia activities. Think about what the person enjoyed before dementia affected their abilities.
For example:
Former Gardner:
sorting seeds, arranging flowers, watering plants
Former Homemaker:
folding towels, sorting utensils, setting a table
Former Mechanic:
organizing large tools or safe objects
Former Office Worker:
sorting papers, organizing folders, writing notes
Former Artist:
painting, coloring, arranging art supplies
Music Lover:
playing an instrument, tapping to music, sorting CDs or records
If your loved one is suffering from dementia and could benefit from memory care, please contact us at the Gables Assisted Living.
Frequently Asked Questions About Activities for People With Dementia
What are good activities for dementia patients to do with their hands?
Some good hands-on activities for people with dementia include folding towels, sorting objects, arranging flowers, painting, coloring, looking through photographs, playing simple musical instruments, using sensory objects, matching cards, and working with familiar household items. The best activity depends on the person’s abilities, interests, and stage of dementia.
How do you keep someone with dementia’s hands busy?
Try giving the person a simple, purposeful activity that matches something they have enjoyed in the past. Folding laundry, sorting socks, arranging flowers, working with different textures, holding a familiar object, or listening to music while clapping along can give their hands something meaningful to do. Keep directions simple and avoid correcting them if they complete the activity differently than expected.
What are good sensory activities for someone with dementia?
Sensory activities can include textured fabrics, soft objects, sensory blankets, familiar scents, music, flowers, and objects with different shapes and textures. Sensory activities can be especially useful when a person has difficulty participating in more complicated activities.
What can I give a person with dementia to fidget with?
Depending on the person’s abilities and safety needs, options can include a sensory blanket, soft fabric, a large textured ball, a fidget item designed for older adults, or another familiar object that is safe to handle. Avoid small objects that could become a choking hazard, particularly if the person puts objects in their mouth.
What activities are good for someone with advanced dementia?
People with advanced dementia may enjoy simple sensory and repetitive activities such as listening to familiar music, holding a soft object, looking at family photographs, feeling different textures, gentle hand massage, folding soft towels, or participating in simple hand movements. The activity should be adapted to the person’s abilities and should focus on comfort and connection rather than completing a task.
Are crafts good for people with dementia?
Yes. Simple crafts can provide opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Painting, coloring, flower arranging, simple collages, and other crafts can be adapted to different abilities. Choose safe materials and provide assistance when needed.
Can music be used as a dementia activity?
Music can be an excellent activity for people with dementia. Familiar songs can encourage singing, clapping, tapping, dancing, or playing a simple instrument. Music can also create opportunities for connection when communicating with words becomes more difficult.
Should you correct someone with dementia if they do an activity incorrectly?
Usually, the goal should be enjoyment and engagement rather than completing the activity perfectly. If the activity is safe, allow the person to participate in a way that makes sense to them. Correcting or criticizing them can create frustration. Instead, offer encouragement and assistance when needed.
How long should a dementia activity last?
There is no single ideal length. An activity may last only a few minutes or continue for much longer depending on the person’s interest and abilities. Watch for signs of frustration, fatigue, boredom, or overstimulation and be willing to change the activity or try again later.
What are some easy dementia activities to do at home?
Easy activities include folding towels, sorting laundry, looking through photo albums, listening to familiar music, arranging flowers, coloring, painting, matching objects, organizing household items, and working with safe sensory objects. Familiar activities connected to a person’s hobbies, career, or daily routine can be especially meaningful.
