Resources for Caregivers to Engage, Enrich, and Involve People with Dementia in Person-Centered Activities
Giftofenrichment.com is a person-centered activity program designed for individuals with dementia that a caregiver or LEC/AD can adapt for at home or a memory care community. Shift your perspective on dementia care by transitioning from group-based activities to personalized, individualized experiences. Our philosophy is based on Montessori Method principles.
1. Activity Categories on our database search, can be used as themes or key elements to guide your daily activity calendar. Examples of Activity Categories.
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Creative Art: Easel and watercolor painting, loop & looms.
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Culture and Geography: USA map and flags.
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Games & Sports: Bocce ball, bag bean toss.
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Gardening: Mosaic and flower pots.
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Household Task: Polishing silverware.
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Kitchen Task: Juice making.
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Matching & Pairing: Matching NFL or MLB teams.
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Numbers & Counting: Rummikub, missing numbers.
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Puzzles: Tetris, cubic, jigsaw & photo.
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Sorting: Colored pasta.
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Words & Letters: Missing letters, Jr Scrabble.
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Workshops: Golf ball and muffin tins.
2. Tutorial videos for caregivers on planning and present customized dementia activities.
3. Explore our videos on “How to Create a Sensory Station".
4. Shop Gift of Enrichment's: Activity Packets, Printables or Online Thrift Store.
Search for Person-Centered Activities by Dementia Level, Interest and/or Hobbies and Activities Categories.
Members can access detail search results for planning activities, enhancing cognitive skills, and finding where to purchase them.
The Montessori Method:
- Create a Calm Environment: Make sure the setting is quiet and free of distractions to help the participant focus on the task.
- Always Invite the Person: Make each person feel special, "Let's do an activity together". Positive interaction.
- Adapt the Level of Difficulty: Tailor the complexity of the shapes or patterns to the individual’s abilities. Some people may enjoy simple, repetitive designs, while others may appreciate more complex challenges.
- Take Breaks: If the participant shows signs of frustration or fatigue, encourage a break. You can always return to the activity later.
- Offer Frequent Encouragement: Even if the participant doesn’t complete a specific pattern or shape, offer praise for the effort they put in. Focus on the enjoyment of the activity, not the outcome.
- Celebration of Success: Celebrate the completion of words and progress, providing positive reinforcement and encouragement.
Browse Video Resources
- Videos that help train the caregiver on planning and presenting personalized dementia activities.
- Explore our videos on "How to Create a Sensory Enrichment Station."
Browse Free Printable Resources
Gale's Journey
Reflecting on my mother’s experiences in various assisted living
communities, I remember how the Memory Care Director would ask for details about her
likes— hobbies, work, foods, colors, and music to create personalized care plans. While we appreciated their interest, it became clear that the Memory Care Team struggled to implement individualized activities based on my mother's hobbies, work, music, etc. This gap in personalized care inspired me to focus on the individual. Over 11 yrs of experience with Sensory Outings Program, we ensured that our resources match the person’s interests and their physical and cognitive abilities. These resources are for Memory Care Director, Life Enrichment Coordinator, Activity Director, Professional Caregivers and Family/Friend Caregivers.
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