For people living with dementia, everyday routines can gradually become more difficult. Shifts in memory, cognition, and communication may impact the ability to remember recent experiences, process new information, or express thoughts clearly. These changes can affect a person’s confidence and sense of independence.
As a trusted provider of residential dementia care in Australia, Ryman supports residents to:
Engaging in simple, focused activities such as memory games can help stimulate the mind, boost mood, and foster meaningful interactions. These kinds of activities are not only enjoyable but also play a valuable role in supporting cognitive wellbeing.
By taking the time to understand each resident’s personal story, interests, and strengths, we’re able to tailor memory-based activities that promote connection and enhance quality of life.
Games designed for people living with dementia work best when they’re simple, familiar, and adaptable. Clear instructions and recognisable formats help reduce confusion, while tailoring the activity to suit different cognitive levels ensures everyone can participate comfortably. Sensory elements such as touch, sound, and visual cues also help spark engagement and interaction.
Here are a few examples of games that are suitable for people living with dementia:
Instead of numbers, this version uses familiar pictures such as animals, household items, or nostalgic icons. The visual format makes it easier to follow and can prompt conversation and recognition in a relaxed, enjoyable way.
These puzzles are gentle on the hands and eyes, and encourage focus, coordination, and problem-solving. Choosing images that are personally meaningful like Australian landscapes or animals can also help evoke positive memories.
These games invite people to share stories from their past, using prompts like old photographs, music, or themed objects. They’re a powerful way to support emotional wellbeing and strengthen social bonds through shared memories.
Try jigsaw puzzles with familiar scenes
Supporting someone living with dementia isn’t just about keeping them busy – it’s about creating opportunities for joy, connection, and a sense of purpose.
What brings those moments to life will differ for everyone. Some may find comfort in familiar games or puzzles, while others might be drawn to music, storytelling, art, or gentle physical activity. Reflecting on what they’ve enjoyed in the past, and noticing what captures their interest now, can help guide you toward activities that are engaging and meaningful.
Matching geometric shapes
Indoor games provide opportunities for people living with dementia to stay engaged, active, and connected – rain or shine. At Ryman, we ensure indoor games are safe and enjoyable, so residents can choose to take part in ways that suit them best. If you’re wondering, “what are the best indoor games for dementia patients?”, here are a few options:
Games that involve touch such as textured puzzles, sensory mats, or sorting objects by feel, can gently stimulate the senses and encourage calm, curious engagement.
Using memory boxes, vintage photo cards, or themed conversation prompts can help spark storytelling and connection, supporting emotional wellbeing and a sense of identity.
Light physical activities such as balloon tap or seated ball toss combine fun with gentle exercise, helping to improve coordination and lift the spirit.
A memory box will contain familiar objects with different shapes and textures
The traditional 20 Questions game where players ask yes-or-no questions to guess an object, can be modified to make it more accessible and enjoyable for people experiencing cognitive changes.
To tailor the game for dementia care, choose simple, familiar themes like household items, pets, or favourite foods. Adding visual aids such as photos, real objects, or illustrated cards can make the game easier to follow and more engaging.
This gentle approach encourages problem-solving and opens up opportunities for residents to share personal memories. By aligning the game with their interests and experiences, it becomes a fun and meaningful way to stay connected.
Ask questions that are familiar to the person living with dementia
Simple, familiar board games with clear visuals and easy-to-follow rules can be a great way to support people living with dementia. At Ryman, these games are often part of daily life in our dementia care communities, offering a gentle way to:
Specifically designed for people with dementia, Call-to-Mind uses picture prompts and straightforward questions to spark conversation and strengthen bonds between residents and their caregivers or loved ones by exploring personal stories, interests, and preferences.
Classic board games like Snakes and Ladders or Ludo can be modified with larger pieces and simplified rules such as removing penalties, shortening the time to play, and focusing on enjoyment rather than competition. These adaptations are designed to keep the games light-hearted and inclusive.
Board games that involve matching or sequencing using personal photos such as family members, pets, or favourite places can make the experience more meaningful. These games support recognition and memory in a gentle, engaging way.
Snakes-and-ladders can easily be adapted
At Ryman, memory games designed to support cognitive function are a regular part of life in our dementia care communities. Here are a few simple games to try:
Using cards with familiar images, players take turns flipping two at a time to find a match. This classic game supports visual recognition and short-term memory, and can be played one-on-one or in small groups.
Prompting phrases like “An apple a day…” can spark responses such as “keeps the doctor away.” This game taps into long-term memory using well-known sayings, song lyrics, or proverbs. Choose phrases that are personally meaningful to the person playing, such lines from a favourite tune or childhood rhyme.
Place a few everyday items on a tray and let the person observe them briefly. Then cover or remove the items and ask them to recall or describe what they saw. This game is all about reinforcing familiarity.
Playing the matching pairs game
When supporting someone living with dementia, simple activities can be both soothing and meaningful. At Ryman, we tailor games to suit each resident’s abilities and stage of dementia, using familiar materials and tactile interaction to create a sense of ease and enjoyment.
Here are a few engaging options:
Grouping everyday items by colour, shape, or texture such as buttons, fabrics, or wooden blocks is often calming and satisfying. It’s a repetitive task that encourages focus and provides a quiet sense of achievement.
Using cups, blocks, or rings, stacking games help support motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The simple challenge of building a tower can be a lot of fun and people enjoy the challenge of seeing how high they can stack before the tower tumbles.
Large, clear flashcards with images or words can prompt memory recall and spark conversation. Asking questions like “What’s this?” or “Have you used one of these before?” encourages verbal engagement.
These boxes contain a mix of items that stimulate the senses, such as textured fabrics, familiar scents, or personal photographs. With items based on the person’s interests and life experiences, these boxes offer a safe and enjoyable way for people living with dementia to explore at their own pace.
Stacking games can help support coordination and motor skills
At Ryman, we believe that people living with dementia deserve care that is safe, respectful, and deeply supportive.
Our dementia-friendly environments are thoughtfully designed to promote independence and reduce confusion. Clear signage, secure indoor and outdoor spaces, and calming layouts help residents move freely and confidently while staying connected to others.
Every team member receives specialised dementia training, equipping them to provide care with empathy, understanding, and consistency.
Lifestyle and activity programs – including games and activities similar to those shared in this article – are part of daily life in our care centres, helping to nurture cognitive function, emotional wellbeing, and social connection.
We also walk alongside families and carers, offering guidance, reassurance, and ongoing support throughout the journey.
Contact us to learn more about Ryman Healthcare’s dementia care and how we’re redefining aged care in Australia.