31/10/2026
Did you know: Montessori inspired activities can make a big difference for someone living with memory loss or dementia?
These activities offer the greatest opportunity for connecting with one’s inner self and give them a sense of purpose.
This support focuses on what someone can still do, encouraging them to stay involved in everyday life, make choices and use their remaining skills.
The best part is you do not need an expensive list of equipment. We have put together some free ideas that can be tried with what’s already around us.
-Hanging out the laundry: Pe***ng clothes, hanging them, folding them, sorting colours can encourage movement, coordination and independence. Most importantly the person feels involved and happy that they’ve been of help.
-Exploring familiar smells: Lavender, roses, freshly brewed coffee, even the smell of rain can bring back feelings and memories from years ago. A familiar fragrance sparks a conversation about someone’s childhood, family home or a favourite place.
-Spending time in nature: Listening to birds,feeling a breeze on one’s skin, noticing changing seasons and being in peaceful surroundings can offer sensory stimulation, relaxation and more opportunities for conversation.
Why is sensory engagement so important for someone living with Dementia?
Dementia may affect memory, communication, and the way a person processes information. However, familiar sensory experiences still evoke emotions, recognition and personal memories especially when finding words becomes difficult.
The most important part of Montessori inspired support in dementia is giving someone the opportunity to participate.
At Heartside, we create social and sensory opportunities for individuals so that dementia never fully takes away the person behind the diagnosis.
Hope this post was helpful, if you have any more questions or information you may need how to help someone living with dementia feel like themselves or create more opportunities for them, please feel free to reach out to us.
