Fun Fall Activities to Enjoy with a Loved One with Dementia

Many of our Anthem Memory Care residents and staff love fall because it brings cooler weather and the promise of holidays ahead. Fall ushers in a broad spectrum of opportunities for activities that are unique to the season.

Decorating our rooms and hallways with colorful leaf displays, visits to pumpkin patches, and planning Oktoberfest events are just some of the things we all look forward to. And, as our residents engage in these activities, we have found that they often spark memories relating to their own past experiences with their children and families.

In that spirit, we’d like to pass along some fall activity ideas that you can enjoy with all your family members, including loved ones living with dementia.

1. Leaf Collecting and Sorting: Take a walk outdoors or in the yard to collect colorful fall leaves, then sort them by color or size.
2. Pumpkin Decorating: Use paint, stickers, or markers to decorate pumpkins without the mess of carving.
3. Autumn Sensory Box: Create a box filled with fall textures like pinecones, acorns, leaves, and fabric, allowing them to explore different sensations.
4. Baking Fall Treats: Make simple, hands-on fall treats like pumpkin muffins or apple cinnamon cookies, involving them in stirring or decorating.
5. Seasonal Music: Play classic fall songs or familiar tunes that evoke memories, encouraging singing along or gentle dancing.
6. Fall-Themed Puzzles: Use large-piece jigsaw puzzles with fall scenery or imagery for a calming, focused activity.
7. Apple Tasting: Offer different varieties of apples to taste, engaging their senses with sweet, tart, and crisp flavors.
8. Nature Crafts: Help create simple crafts like leaf rubbings or pinecone bird feeders, incorporating natural elements from the outdoors.
9. Outdoor Strolls: Enjoy gentle outdoor walks, focusing on the changing colors of the trees and the crispness of the fall air.
10. Warm Beverages and Conversation: Share a cup of hot apple cider or cocoa, sparking conversation about past fall memories or favorite traditions.

Our residents love all of these activities, but perhaps you can add to this list with special fall-themed traditions in your own family. Taking time to enjoy these activities benefits everyone in the family, young and old.

Don’t hesitate to contact any of our Anthem Memory Care communities for more ideas or to get information and caregiver resources. We welcome you to drop by and visit a community near you and learn more about our many activities and events tailored to bring purpose and meaning to the lives of our residents. 

(Our header image shows a talented resident of Chisholm Place Memory Care in Wichita, Kansas showing off her beautiful fall wreath!)