What Household Items Can I Use for Dementia Activities?

Turn What You Already Have at Home into Memory Boosting, Calming, and Engaging Moments for Dementia Care Activities At Home

“I want to do more with my loved one, but I don’t know where to start, and I don’t have time to shop.”

If that sounds like you, you’re not alone.

You’ve likely seen a dozen Pinterest posts about dementia activity kits or elaborate games...But let’s be honest:

• You don’t have time to gather 15 supplies.

• You’re already exhausted from caregiving.

• And your loved one doesn’t need complicated, instead they need connection.

Here’s the good news: you already have what you need.You just need a little guidance, and a few fresh ideas.

That’s exactly why we created the Nest Care Cards a tool built around dementia activities using household items you already have on hand.

Let’s explore some of our favorite home-based activities and how they support your loved one’s brain and body.

Why Household Item Activities Work Well as Dementia Activities

People living with dementia thrive on familiarity. Using household items means they have:

✅ Familiar textures

✅ Use Repetitive motions

✅ Are Given Purpose-driven tasks

✅ Safe, recognizable tools

When we tap into these elements with household items, we activate long-term memory, reduce stress, and create a sense of comfort and control.

And best of all? These activities don’t feel like “therapy.” They feel like life.

10 Household Items That Make Great Dementia Activities

Each of these items appears in our Nest Care Cards Activity Deck, paired with brain-healthy, calming, or movement-based ideas.

1. Towels or Washcloths

Activity idea: Folding, sorting by size, or color.

Why it works: Taps into procedural memory (household chores), supports fine motor movement, and gives a sense of purpose.

2. Buttons or Coins

Activity idea: Sort by color, size, or type.

Why it works: Simple categorization supports focus and sequencing.

3. Plastic or Wooden Utensils

Activity idea: Sort into bins, “set” a table, or line up by size.

Why it works: Familiar routines can calm anxiety and provide sensory grounding.

4. Blanket or Fabric Squares

Activity idea: Fold, smooth, or match textures.

Why it works: Soft textures soothe the nervous system and provide comfort.

5. Lotion and a Washcloth

Activity idea: Hand massage or self-application.

Why it works: Gentle sensory input and physical touch promote relaxation and connection.

6. Music from a Phone or Speaker

Activity idea: Tap to the beat, sing along, or create a “memory lane” playlist.

Why it works: Music accesses emotional memory and can reduce sundowning behaviors.

7. Plastic Cups or Bowls

Activity idea: Stack, nest, or sort by size.

Why it works: Movement-based sequencing helps with coordination and executive function.

8. Greeting Cards or Postcards

Activity idea: Sort by color or occasion, talk about who might have sent them.

Why it works: Sparks conversation, reminiscence, and personal storytelling.

9. Magazines or Catalogs

Activity idea: Cut out favorite pictures, circle items, or create a theme collage.

Why it works: Combines visual stimulation, memory, and decision-making.

10. Kitchen Measuring Cups or Spoons

Activity idea: “Pretend cook,” stack or arrange in order.

Why it works: Recreates familiar kitchen tasks that support confidence and dexterity.

Want More Ideas Like This That Are Organized and Ready to Use?

That’s exactly why we created the Nest Care Cards: Dementia Activity Deck.

Inside you’ll find:

✔️ Over 100 activities using household items

✔️ Sorted by category: memory, movement, sensory, nutrition, dexterity, and redirection

✔️ No prep, no confusion—just flip and follow

✔️ Directions that work for both family members and hired caregivers

✔️ “Why it helps” explanations for each activity

Whether you're at home, on the go, or helping a caregiver plan their shift, the Nest Care Cards take the guesswork out of daily dementia care.

You don’t need expensive tools.You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.You just need a few trusted items, and a little creative guidance.

With the right mindset and a simple card in hand, that folded towel or wooden spoon becomes a tool for memory, movement, and meaningful connection.

Let’s turn your home into the best possible place for dementia care—starting with what’s already in your kitchen drawer.