25 Two Minute Activities for dementia care

Greet the client by name and make eye contact

Try on a couple of hats in front of a mirror with a client

Tell a client she/he looks 'Beautiful!' today

Show a client vivid colours in a garment/magazine and talk about it

Hold hands and step outdoors for some fresh air

Pick flowers in the garden together

Help a client to try on a new shade of lipstick

Give a client an impromptu shoulder massage

Play a quick game of ball catch

Evoke memories: e.g. "Tell more about your grandmother's farm!"

Tease: "I saw your boyfriend/girlfriend today!"

Tell a client you love her/him

Give spontaneous bear hugs

Try a new scented hand lotion on a client

If the background music is good, take a client for a dance

Blow bubbles together

Look at a landscape or animal calendar together

Ask for help: sorting books on a shelf, hanging clothes out to dry

Water plants together

Listen to the sound of a large shell

Wrap herbs/spices individually in fabric and ask a client to identify the smell

Comb, french braid or curl a client's hair

Read a few funny limericks

Remind a client about fruit and vegetables in season

Sing a Nursery Rhyme together