Keeping Busy - Montessori-Based Activities for People with Dementia

06/07/2025

“I purchased this game to play with my grandmother who had dementia. It gave me some great moments with her.”
— Sam, grandson

💛 Give your loved one a way to feel successful, stimulated, and seen.

🧩 Our Tile Matching Game is designed to gently challenge and delight those living with dementia.

👉 Try it now with 15% off your first order using code WELCOME15
https://keepingbusy.com/products/tile-matching-game

05/07/2025

Here’s post #8 in our reading group series 🎉

Have you tried bringing a reading session to life with a little extra flair? Before your next Montessori-style reading group, gather a handful of meaningful photos, a favorite song clip, or even a small keepsake related to the story. As you turn each page, pause to share the image or play the tune—and watch as familiar faces light up and memories flow. These simple props transform a quiet read-aloud into a rich, multi-sensory conversation that invites everyone to reminisce and connect more deeply.

Next time you lead a group, try slipping in one unexpected item and see where the discussion takes you—then let us know what surprised you most!

05/05/2025

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Hurry, ends May 12! Shop now and make her day unforgettable!

05/01/2025

Happy World Laughter Day & welcome to the first day of Mental Health Awareness Month! Laughter isn’t just fun—it’s proven to ease stress, spark memories and bring us closer, especially for those living with . Today, try a simple “pass-the-smile” circle: share a funny memory or gentle joke, then pass a soft ball—watch faces light up and connections grow.

What’s your favorite way to sprinkle laughter into someone’s day? Share below and let’s brighten May together! 😊

04/28/2025

📖Reading Group Tip #7: Adjusting on the Fly
When only two participants wish to read, view it as an opportunity to deepen engagement rather than a setback. Alternate turns, invite side stories, and lean into conversation—covering just a few pages can spark a rich, 10–15-minute exchange of memories and laughter.

📝 Key Strategies:

Alternate readers to maintain a gentle, inclusive pace.
Pause for reminiscing: ask open-ended questions that tie back to the text.
Use props (photos, familiar objects, even a song lyric) to trigger storytelling.
Bookmark thoughtfully: stopping mid-reader is fine—resume next session where you left off.
What tips have you discovered for turning small turnouts into big connections? Share below!

04/25/2025

📞 Happy
Take a trip down memory lane with our Vintage Workspace jigsaw puzzle—featuring a rotary telephone and typewriter straight from yesteryear.
👉 Have you ever dialed on one of these? Tell us your favorite old-school phone story below!
🧩 Grab yours on our website and celebrate the art of conversation—one piece at a time.

04/23/2025

Reading Groups: The Power of Repetition & Routine
Have you noticed how, by session three or four, your reading group just “clicks”? That’s the magic of repetitive priming—same faces, same time, week after week. Participants settle into roles, gain confidence, and before you know it, the whole activity runs itself, freeing you up to share stories and laughs.

💬 Tell us: What moment in your group felt that - “it just flows” magic? Drop your story below—and be sure to tag a colleague who’d love to try this routine!

04/09/2025

A Name Can Be Everything...

On , we celebrate the freedom to choose how we’re known—even if just for fun. But for people living with dementia, remembering a name isn’t playful—it’s powerful.

For individuals living with Alzheimer's or dementia, recognizing a familiar name—even from a name tag—can light up their world. A bold, simple name tag, worn clearly and consistently, isn’t just for introductions—it’s a bridge to dignity.

Imagine the pride someone feels when they can say, “Hi Mary,” not because they suddenly remembered, but because your name tag made it possible.

Caregivers and therapists—do you wear a name tag daily? What changes have you noticed when you do? Let’s share and inspire each other in the comments👇

04/07/2025

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) cover everyday tasks like laundry or sorting mail—essentials that support independence for seniors with dementia.

The approach transforms these routines into engaging, therapeutic activities that can help strengthen arm muscles and boost cognitive engagement.

Stay tuned for more on how these small steps make a big difference.

Have you seen these benefits in action? Share your thoughts in the comments!

04/04/2025

Therapists are loving our Match the Shapes Game! Have you tried it? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Check out sprucestreetslp’s post.

04/03/2025

📖 When the Conversation Takes a Detour — Let It!

Not every reading group session goes as planned—and that’s okay! Sometimes, the best moments happen when the discussion drifts away from the book. A group might only get through a few pages before an unexpected conversation takes over, full of memories, laughter, and connection.

The goal isn’t to finish the book—it’s to create moments of joy and engagement. So when the conversation takes a detour, let it! That’s where the magic happens.

💡 Have you ever had a conversation take an unexpected but wonderful turn? Tell us about it in the comments! 👇

03/21/2025

On National , we know that the right tools can make all the difference.

While many puzzles and games might fill the gap, our specially designed memory games are crafted to gently spark memories and encourage authentic conversation.

They’re not just about the challenge—they’re about opening up spaces for shared stories and connections.

When you choose a tool built with dementia care in mind, you're ensuring every moment is an opportunity to interact and remember.

Have you tried our products? We’d love to hear your story!
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