Housework
Housework can be a great tool to use when spending time indoors with an individual with dementia. It can provide them with a sense of purpose and give them an outlet to feel as though they are contributing to the home. Furthermore, if these are previous activities that they took part in before the diagnosis, it can assist them in continuing with their routine and prior roles.
01
Folding Laundry
Materials: clothing/towels/dish rags/ etc.
Directions: Take out laundry for the individual(s) to fold and sort through. Set the individual up in a safe position either standing with a chair nearby or sitting at a table or on a sofa where they can fold the clothes.
Hints for success:
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Play music in the background
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Ask them for their help (you can create a reason you are doing this task!)
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Fresh laundry provides increased sensory stimulation to the olfactory system
Grade Up:
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Increase the amount of clothes/items they can fold
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Use clothing items that are more difficult to fold such as tops, jackets, etc.
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Use a variety of different clothing or items throughout the task
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Complete in standing
Grade Down:
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Decrease the amount of clothing they can fold
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Use less difficult items to fold such as dish rags
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Use the same items to fold for the entirety of the task to increase repetition
Activity Addresses:
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Fine Motor Coordination
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Activity Tolerance/Endurance
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Sequencing
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Sensory Stimulation
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Gross Motor Coordination
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Upper Extremity Range of Motion
02
Drying Dishes
Materials: Posts, Pans, Silverware, Cups, Bowls, Plates, and Dishrags
Directions: During or after you have completed the dishes, ask the individual(s) to help you dry them. Set the individual(s) up at a table with a rag and the clean wet dishes. Have them dry the dishes and place them to the side for you. This allows for them to feel helpful!
Hints for success:
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Play music in the background
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Ask them for their help (you can create a reason you are doing this task!)
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Remove any sharp items that can be potentially harmful (steak knives, glass, etc.)
Grade Up:
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Increase the amount of dishes for them to dry
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Complete in standing
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Utilize smaller dishes or cups that require increased hand maneuvers
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Have them put the dishes away in the cabinets/drawers
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Have them organize the dishes into categories (pots, silverware, cups, etc.)
Grade Down:
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Decrease amount of dishes for them to dry
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Complete in sitting
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Utilize bigger, flatter, and more common dishes that do not require increased effort or hand maneuvers to dry
Activity Addresses:
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Upper Extremity Range of Motion
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Activity Tolerance/Endurance
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Upper Extremity Strength
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Grip Strength
03
Making The Bed
Materials: Bedding and Bed
Directions: Remove all bedding from the bed(s) and ask the individual to help assist you with putting the (old or new) bedding back onto the bed.
Hints for success:
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Play music in the background
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Ask them for their help (you can create a reason you are doing this task!)
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If it doesn't come out "perfect" or “right” it's okay! It is all about having them engage in activities and feel helpful!
Grade Up:
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Give them all items of bedding at once
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Have them make the bed on their own
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Have them fold blankets for the bed as well
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Have them make beds for multiple rooms
Grade Down:
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Provide one layer of bedding or item at a time
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Work together to complete the task
Activity Addresses:
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Upper Extremity Range of Motion
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Activity Tolerance/Endurance
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Weight Shifting
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Sequencing
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Gross Motor Coordination
04
Vacuuming/Dusting
Materials: Vacuum or Duster
Directions: Set up the individual(s) in a room(s) where they can use a vacuum or duster to help with cleaning. You can provide a visual demonstration on how to use a vacuum or duster if needed.
Hints for success:
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Play music in the background
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Ask them for their help (you can create a reason you are doing this task!)
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If it doesn't come out "perfect" or “right” it's okay! It is all about having them engage in activities and feel helpful!
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Keep an eye on them to ensure they are not at a fall risk during reaching or because of the cords on the floor (a cordless vacuum is the best option!)
Grade Up:
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Utilize the vacuum
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Have them complete multiple rooms
Grade Down:
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Utilize the duster
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Have them complete one room or one section
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Put tape or a symbol to symbolize what areas to dust
Activity Addresses:
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Upper Extremity Rane of Motion
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Activity Tolerance/Endurance
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Weight Shifting
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Balance
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Grip Strength
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Ambulation/Functional Mobility
05
Cleaning Windows
Materials: Window Cleaner, Spray Bottle, and Wash Rag/Paper Towels
Directions: Set up the individual(s) in a room(s) where they can help clean windows. You can provide a visual demonstration on how to wash windows if needed.
Hints for success:
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Play music in the background
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Ask them for their help (you can create a reason you are doing this task!)
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If it doesn't come out "perfect" or “right” it's okay! It is all about having them engage in activities and feel helpful!
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Keep an eye on them to ensure they are not at a fall risk during reaching
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If you are afraid they may ingest the window cleaner, you can place water in a spray bottle or an old window cleaner bottle and have them utilize the water instead
Grade Up:
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Have them complete multiple rooms
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Have them clean windows that are higher and require more reach
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Have them wash the windows by hand using a rag
Grade Down:
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Have them complete one room or one section of windows
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Have them clean windows that are shoulder level and require less reach
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Have them wash the windows using a squeegee (may or may not be easier depending on their familiarity with the item)
Activity Addresses:
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Upper Extremity Range of Motion
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Activity Tolerance/Endurance
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Weight Shifting
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Balance
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Ambulation/Functional Mobility
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Sequencing
06
Sweeping
Materials: Broom
Directions: Set up the individual(s) in a room(s) or outside where they can use the broom to help with cleaning. You can provide a visual demonstration on how to use a broom if needed.
Hints for success:
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Play music in the background
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Ask them for their help (you can create a reason you are doing this task!)
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If it doesn't come out perfect or “right” it's okay! It is all about having them engage in activities and feel helpful!
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Keep an eye on them to ensure they are not at a fall risk and the environment is safe
Grade Up:
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Have them complete multiple rooms or areas outside
Grade Down:
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Have them complete one room or one section of the outside area
Activity Addresses:
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Activity tolerance
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Activity endurance
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Weight shifting
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Balance
