Dementia Care Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All, But Our Dementia Care Cards Help Everyone Start Somewhere

Nestcare Home Care and Private Duty Nursing
May 5
3 min read

Because Every Journey Deserves a Simple First Step

in this blog we will discuss: dementia care support tools, how to help dementia at home, dementia stages and activities, Nest Care Cards

“I don’t know where to begin.”

If you’re caring for someone with dementia, you’ve probably said this more than once.Whether it’s an early diagnosis or you’re deep in the daily routine, the question remains:

What am I supposed to do with them all day?

They’re not who they used to be but they’re still here.You want to engage, support, connect… but where do you even start?

We get it. Because no two people with dementia are the same and care isn’t one-size-fits-all.

That’s exactly why we created the Nest Care Cards: Dementia Activity Deck, a flexible, stage-adaptable tool to help you take that first step (and the next).

Why Dementia Care Needs a Flexible Approach

Dementia affects everyone differently. And it changes over time.What works during the early stages—like word games or storytelling—might be frustrating in the later ones.What calms someone today might overstimulate them next week.

That’s why support tools must be:

✅ Simple

✅ Adaptable

✅ Quick to use

✅ Rooted in real-life care needs

The Nest Care Cards were designed by caregivers and nurses who understand that daily care is messy, emotional, unpredictable… and still full of potential.

How Our Cards Help at Every Stage

Our deck includes over 100 dementia-friendly activities, each labeled with benefits like memory support, movement, sensory stimulation, and creative expression.

Let’s break down how the cards meet different needs at different stages:

🧠 Early Stage Dementia: Keep the Brain Active & Engaged

In the early stage, your loved one may still hold conversations, complete simple tasks, and enjoy hobbies—but may struggle with memory, word-finding, or attention.

Use cards that offer:

Cognitive challenge without pressure
Language-based recall
Opportunities to feel helpful and purposeful

Examples from the deck:

🧺 Towel Matching & Folding – Familiar, purposeful, and builds confidence

🧠 Category Word Game – “Name 5 fruits” or “5 types of transportation”

🎵 Finish the Lyric Game – Tap into music memory with zero prep

Goal: Support memory, confidence, and daily purpose—while helping you bond.

🌤️ Middle Stage Dementia: Add Structure, Reduce Overwhelm

In the middle stages, confusion increases. Language and executive function (planning, decision-making) decline.Your loved one may pace, repeat themselves, or become withdrawn.

Use cards that provide:

Predictable routines
Repetitive, rhythmic activities
Sensory engagement to reduce agitation

Examples from the deck:

🎨 Dot Painting with Cotton Swabs – Creative without being overwhelming

🚶 Nature Walk “I Spy” – Engage the senses with light movement

👐 Hand Lotion Massage – Calms and provides gentle human connection

🧩 Sort by Shape or Color – Visual activities that require no talking

Goal: Reduce sundowning, anxiety, and disorientation by offering a rhythm that feels safe.

🌙 When Words Fade: Let Sensory & Movement Lead

In later stages, verbal skills decline, but touch, scent, sound, and movement still offer powerful ways to connect.

Use cards focused on:

Calming sensory input
Familiar textures, sounds, and scents
Gentle movement and music to regulate the body

Examples from the deck:

🧴 Scent Guessing Game – Use familiar smells like vanilla, cinnamon, lemon📷 Photo Prompts (No Pressure) – Talk to the photo, not about it🎶 Chair Dancing to Oldies – Music + movement = mood magic💧 Warm Water Dishwashing – Soothing sensory routine with purpose

Goal: Meet them where they are—emotionally and neurologically.

No Prep, No Stress—Just Real Support for Real Life

Each Nest Care Card includes:

✅ An activity that works across ability levels
✅ Supplies you already have at home
✅ Clear, no-fluff directions
✅ A quick explanation of why it helps (memory, mood, focus, etc.)

Whether your loved one is newly diagnosed or has been living with dementia for years, the deck grows with you—offering ideas that flex with their changing needs.

💬 What Caregivers Are Saying:

“I didn’t know where to start. The cards gave me that first small win—and helped me build a routine we both look forward to.”— Maria L., Daughter and Caregiver

“It’s the only tool I’ve found that actually works across different stages. We used it for my mom during early and middle dementia.”— Grant B., Family Care Partner