The 4 F’s of Activities for People with Dementia: Familiar, Fun, Functional, Flexible

When it comes to engaging a person living with dementia, activities are a key component of maintaining their function and well-being. However, not all activities are created equal. To ensure that the time spent is beneficial and enjoyable for both the caregiver and the partner, it’s essential to consider the 4 F’s: Familiar, Fun, Functional, and Flexible.

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These elements work together to create meaningful, person-centered experiences that honor the individual's abilities and preferences.

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1. Familiar

When an activity is based on something they’ve done before or can easily recognize, it taps into their long-term memory, which is often more intact than short-term memory. What activities has your partner always enjoyed?

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2. Fun

Just like anyone else, people living with dementia thrive when they’re having fun. The purpose here isn’t necessarily to create elaborate activities but to find joy in simplicity. Fun activities might include games, music, dancing, or even watching a favorite old movie or show. It's less about how complex or "perfect" the activity is and more about how it makes them feel.

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Tip: Pay attention to your partner’s reactions. If they light up when they hear a specific song or smile and laugh during a simple matching game, incorporate those activities more often into the routine.

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3. Functional

Activities with a purpose can offer your partner a feeling of usefulness. Functional tasks like helping to set the table, organizing small objects, or simple crafting projects with purpose (i.e., making cards for the children's hospital) provide a sense of responsibility and purpose. These activities also support motor skills and cognitive function, which will help people with dementia retain their skills longer.

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Tip: Look for ways to involve your partner in daily tasks. Choose something they can do successfully, and praise their effort and contribution. Remember, it's about participation, not perfection.

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4. Flexible

Flexibility is important when engaging a person living with dementia. Their mood, energy, and abilities can change from day to day, or even hour to hour. Offering activities with room for adjustment allows you to modify tasks in the moment, ensuring they are neither too challenging nor too simplistic. Flexibility also means being willing to switch activities if something isn’t working or adjusting the approach.

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Tip: Pick an activity and consider how it can be adjusted to match your partner’s abilities. For example, if you're working on a craft project, you can simplify it by focusing on a single step or increase its complexity by introducing more steps. Grading the activity up or down based on their abilities allows for success and reduces frustration, making the experience enjoyable and meaningful.

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When you approach activities with these principles, you help create an environment that supports the person’s dignity and well-being. It’s not just about keeping busy; it’s about enriching their life in a way that’s thoughtful, person-centered, and adaptable to the unique needs of someone living with dementia.

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If you're looking for dementia-friendly activities ideas, consider joining us inside the Treehouse.