Bonus: From Adorable Photographs of Our Baby- A Colorful Activity

Activities directors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals,here is some great information

Here is a great dementia resource for caregivers and healthcare professinals,

Here is information on being the best caregiver you can be

Look at the baby photo to the right

Here is an exerpt from the book Adorable Photographs of Our Baby- a book for those with dementia and an excellent resource for caregivers and healthcare professionals.

Our baby likes to look at bright, colorful toys when he wakes up.
Where is the baby?
If prompting is needed, say something like:
I think he is in his crib. Do you see him there?

What time do you think this baby wakes up in the morning?
If prompting is needed, say something like:
I think he wakes up at 6am. What do you think?
Have a discussion about the best time to get up. Also, talk about why babies get up so early.
Then ask: What time do you wake up in the morning?

What is the baby doing?
If prompting is needed, say something like:
I think he is looking at his toys. What do you think?

Let’s name some toys.
If prompting is needed, say something like:
Is a truck a toy? There are many toys that could be named.
You can have a discussion about which toys are for boys, girls, or both.
You could have some pictures of toys or even have toys for group members to see and touch.

What color toys do you see?
If prompting is needed, say something like:
I see a red toy. Do you? What other color toys do you see?

Color ideas--Let’s name some colors.
Let’s name some things that are usually blue (or any color). Continue as long as the interest lasts. Remember: give help as needed which may include giving a choice of two.
What is your favorite color?
What colors do you think [another participant who is shy or non-verbal] likes? I think[another participant]likes red because (s)he is wearing a red shirt today.

What happens if we mix two colors, like yellow and blue(or any combination of colors)? Mix colors as long as there is interest and time.
Let’s find out! [Leader should have paints and paper on hand and provide a demonstration or directions for the activity.]

Do you think this baby is having fun?
How can you tell? If prompting is needed, say something like:
I can tell because he is smiling. What do you think?
What does his smile tell you? If prompting is needed, say something like:
It tells me he is happy. What do you think?
What are some things that make you smile?

Other smile ideas-Have a smile off. See who can smile the longest. Sing songs about smiles. Read or make up a poem about smiles. Talk about other emotions and facial expressions. Remember, those with memory impairments can relate well to emotions. Draw faces with smiles or other facial expressions.