Winter Activities for Memory Care Residents

Winter can bring unique challenges for seniors with dementia, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to be a difficult season. The shorter days can often lead to an increase in sundowning — periods of confusion, agitation and restlessness that some experience as evening approaches. However, engaging in thoughtful, winter-themed activities can make a positive difference and help ease these challenges. Here are some activities that foster emotional connections and nurture the well-being of seniors in Memory Care.

Doing Crafts

Crafting can be a fun way for seniors with dementia to stay engaged through simple, hands-on activities. Winter crafts offer sensory stimulation, encourage creativity and may help reduce anxiety by providing a comforting focus and a sense of accomplishment. Easy, enjoyable craft ideas that can bring a touch of winter indoors include: 

• Pine cone bird feeders: Spread peanut butter on pine cones, then roll them in birdseed and hang them outside to attract birds. This nature-inspired activity allows seniors to watch the birds enjoy a tasty meal when food is scarce.
• Decorative snowflakes: Older adults can make paper snowflakes with simple, large-cut patterns. These can be hung in windows or added to community décor for a two-fold sense of accomplishment.
• Mason jar candleholders: Seniors can paint mason jars with frosty designs or glue tissue paper on the exterior surface. Place a flameless candle inside for a cozy winter glow they can display in their rooms.
• Winter-themed collages: Use textured materials, such as cotton balls, felt and construction paper, to create snowy scenes. Some may find the tactile element of cotton and soft fabrics soothing.

Doing crafts in a group can also promote socialization and spark communication as participants share ideas and creations. 

Mind-Stimulating Games

Playing games that stimulate the mind is essential year-round to help Memory Care residents maintain cognitive function. These games also offer an enjoyable way to stay engaged and lift spirits in a season that may force residents to stay indoors more frequently. Here are a few winter-friendly games that are easy to set up and encourage focus and memory recall: 

• Winter memory match: Create pairs of cards featuring winter images — such as mittens, snowflakes and pine trees. Players find matching pairs, playfully stimulating memory.
• Guess the scent: Use winter scents, including cinnamon, peppermint and pine, and have residents smell each item and try to identify it. This activity stimulates multiple senses, enhancing memory recall, and is especially appealing to those in Memory Care who enjoy cooking.
• Seasonal trivia: Ask questions related to winter holidays, traditions or nature. Seniors often enjoy recalling memories, and trivia can spark engaging group discussions.
• Snowman bingo: Put a seasonal twist on traditional bingo with winter-themed icons instead of numbers. Play this game as a group, promoting interaction and a bit of friendly competition.

Looking Through Old Photos or Videos

Looking through old photos or videos can be a comforting, heartwarming activity that brings memories to life. Encouraging Memory Care residents to share memories with other residents or caregivers can establish meaningful connections. However, asking a friend or family member to participate in this activity may help spark additional memories and help fill gaps from first-hand experience.

Sitting with family members, friends or team members, seniors can flip through albums filled with familiar faces and cherished moments. Recalling favorite memories or sharing stories from their younger days can encourage lengthy conversations. Even if verbal communication is challenging, the emotional response — smiles or laughter — often demonstrates how deeply meaningful this activity can be. 

Themed photo sessions, such as looking at past holiday gatherings or winter vacations, offer a more interactive experience. Enhance the moment by playing background music from the era when the photos were taken, creating a fully immersive experience. For a modern touch, share short video clips or slideshows on a tablet, allowing the viewer to hear familiar voices while looking at familiar faces. 

Indoor Exercise

Exercising indoors allows Memory Care residents to stay active, even when it’s cold outside. Physical activity can improve mood, reduce anxiety and promote overall well-being. These simple indoor exercises are easy to follow and can be adapted to each resident’s comfort level:

• Seated stretching: Participants can sit in a chair and perform gentle stretches for their arms, legs, neck and back. Stretching helps maintain flexibility and reduces stiffness.
• Chair yoga: Take stretching to the next level with guided chair yoga poses, offering a safer way for seniors to benefit from yoga’s relaxing yet strengthening effects. Poses adapted to be performed while seated make them accessible for those with limited mobility or balance issues.
• Marching in place: Simple marching in place while seated or standing helps improve circulation and adds a bit of cardio fitness to the fitness regime.
• Balloon volleyball: Using a balloon instead of a ball, seniors can practice hand-eye coordination and enjoy a fun group activity. This gentle activity can prompt a lot of laughter, improving mood and emotional well-being.

Cooking Together

The cooking process evokes memories and can foster a comforting sense of home. Cooking with friends, family or other Memory Care residents offers a sensory-rich activity and a chance to connect over familiar recipes and seasonal flavors. 

Start with straightforward, hands-on tasks older adults can safely enjoy, such as stirring ingredients, kneading dough or sprinkling spices. Baking cookies or making hot chocolate can be especially meaningful, with nostalgic scents that spark conversations. Preparing these treats as a group also gives participants a sense of accomplishment and provides a warm, social setting: 

• Baking sugar cookies: Residents can help roll dough, cut out shapes and decorate cookies with sprinkles.
• Making hot chocolate: Stirring milk, adding chocolate and topping with marshmallows is simple but engaging.
• Assembling fruit salad: Residents can mix and arrange pieces of soft fruit for a healthy, colorful snack.

Seek Quality Memory Care for Your Loved One

Memory Care at Vinson Hall can improve the quality of life for those with dementia. Our Memory Care community — The Sylvestery — offers 24/7 dementia care for seniors who are still active but require specialized support for Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss. Residents participate in numerous engaging group and individualized activities designed for people with dementia. Contact us at 703-536-4344 to learn more about our approach to Memory Care.