Dementia and the job opportunities

Activate mind and body in case of dementia

In order to activate emotions, existing knowledge and the sensory experience, various employment opportunities come into question, which can be carried out individually or in groups.

• When choosing employment options for people with dementia, you should always aim at eye hold, namely the activation of mind and body as well as promoting well-being.

• Make sure that no situations arise in which those affected feel like they are in an exam and may fail. When working in groups, no competitive situations must arise.

• The activity should arouse the interest of your confused patient or family member and be fun; games in the group should develop topics of conversation.

• Adapt the employment measure to the respective stage of dementia and avoid excessive demands.


Correct handling of people with dementia - this is what you should keep in mind

Dementia and the right way to deal with people with dementia is becoming ...

• Even in the advanced stages of dementia, simple games that do not require a lot of concentration and memory can be well received.

This is what the job opportunities could look like

People with dementia are usually no longer able to learn new things, but they have a memory for what they have already learned.

• Offer games and activities that deal with memory and the past.

• Create a memory box in which you put items from your personal past or deliver boxes certain topics together, for example at Easter and Christmas, certain areas such as the office or kitchen, or to match the Seasons.

• You can also promote existing skills with simple handicrafts; in groups this is also stimulating and provides a topic of conversation. Set thematic priorities, for example the seasons or holidays.

• Memory games are also useful in the case of dementia, in which suitable picture motifs or word families have to be found. You can make these games yourself or purchase them from specialist retailers.

• You can also try simple puzzles in which sections of the image have to be put back together before the subject can be recognized. Plants, animals, people or landmarks are suitable as image motifs.

• With old folk songs from childhood and adolescence, you can activate some dumb dementia sufferers very well by suddenly singing along. Singing together is particularly suitable for group work and for relieving fears and tension.

• Word games are also good things to do. For example, give a well-known proverb or a song text incompletely and have it completed.

• Also try simple children's games that everyone knows, for example “I see what you don't see”.

• Stimulate the memory of dementia sufferers by activating the senses, namely by touching, tasting and smelling. Use herbs and spices, everyday objects that can be touched.

• Simple board games such as “Mensch-ärgere-dich-nicht” are also suitable for group work. If necessary, obtain special versions for senior citizens in large format from specialist retailers.