Finding Tactile Fun with Alzheimer's: How My Father and I Connected

Our father was a known busybody, and his bouts of energy didn't stop when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. As one of his caregivers, I learned ways to keep him entertained. As Dad and I explored tactile fun and Alzheimer's-friendly activities together, we had ourselves a good time. And for us, this meant smiles, laughter, and experiencing joy.

Safety first

When offering my father things to explore, I ensured they were safe to the touch. I never let our father explore anything that might have caused an injury because, as his Alzheimer's progressed, his balance and mobility began to shift. Instead, I gravitated toward things he was familiar with, ranging from planting seeds and pulling weeds to sorting his pebble collection. Oftentimes, we sat at the kitchen table for these structured activities.

Dad's pebble collection

Finding purpose and meaning

Keeping our father busy during the day helped his energy lessen as the day wore on, and by evening, he became more settled. While he experienced sundowning, keeping Dad on a routine helped him transition to rest more easily. The activities offered to him supported his declining cognitive abilities, and if I noticed frustration with any task, something new was offered.

While it was at times challenging to keep my father fully engaged, I did incorporate periods of relaxation. This consisted of putting our feet up and watching his favorite cowboy show or listening to his Johnny Cash CD collection.

Why tactile fun and Alzheimer's care go hand in hand

The possibilities are endless for sensory and tactile activities in Alzheimer's care. When thinking about ideas, start with what you think your loved one might enjoy, and use the materials you have around you for your explorations.

There is always laundry to fold and dishware to organize, but there can also be opportunities for dot painting, stamping and ink, and sorting buttons or pen caps. Not all of the activities I introduced to my father were a hit. To lessen any frustration or when a transition was needed, Dad was offered a healthy snack, which worked wonders.

Tactile activity ideas for Alzheimer's caregivers

I understand that many caregivers experiment with puzzles. However, my father didn't enjoy puzzles, so I had to get inventive. I planned tactile activities to support his decline in hand-motor coordination and attention span.

Playdough

Playdough was a good option for our father, and we made our own. Its main ingredients are salt and flour, so I knew we were using safe ingredients. Playdough exploration is fun because it comes in different colors and supports hand-motor coordination as it's squished, flattened, or rolled.

Stickers

Stickers were something my father enjoyed. I'd stock up at the Dollar Store and purchase a sizeable supply. By providing Dad with pieces of colored paper and an array of stickers featuring animals, flowers, and emoji faces, he got straight to work creating patterns.

Empty jars

Empty jars and lids were also a hit. Presenting Dad with a variety of empty plastic jars and compatible lids, he arranged them from largest to smallest, secured the lids to the jars, and built towers. At times, we added coins to make music and would shake and rattle out a tune.

Album covers

Dad was a country music fan, so I provided him with album covers from his collection. As he looked through each album, he would recognize some of the artists, and if I noticed he was at a loss for words, I would offer support. His memory loss in naming the artists was understandable; it was the joy of being together that mattered most.

Reflecting on tactile fun with my father

As I reminisce about my time with my father engaging in tactile activities for Alzheimer's, I observe how he enjoys what I present to him. I kept our activity time consistent, with snack and walk breaks. Planning helped, but so did going with the flow, depending on Dad's mood.

I reminded myself not to take things personally when he became frustrated or bored. I was always noting what Dad seemed to gravitate toward more, and I'd repeat activities and keep my ideas flowing by thinking about what he might like to do next.

Understanding Dad better through tactile activities

What I came to understand while creating, sorting, and singing along with him was how much he appreciated my companionship. Dad often shared smiles, laughter, and thank-yous. Not only was I there by Dad's side, but I was an engaged participant, and I could sense that he was comforted by my presence. For me, this was the best feeling ever.

Exploring tactile fun and Alzheimer's care together taught me that connection matters more than perfection — what matters is showing up, adapting, and finding joy in the small moments.

What types of tactile activities do you implement with the one you care for?