Understanding Dementia and the Benefits of Fidget Boards
Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in mental ability that impacts daily life. It is caused by physical changes in the brain and its abilities. People with dementia experience memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and difficulty concentrating and communicating. While there is no cure for most types of dementia, there are ways to manage symptoms and slow further progression.
How Fidget Boards Can Help with Dementia Symptoms
One strategy that has shown promise is the use of fidget boards for dementia. Fidget boards, also sometimes called busy boards, are boards mounted with various locks, switches, buttons, textures, and moving parts that a person can fidget and interact with. Fidget boards provide sensory stimulation and a hands-on activity that can have multiple benefits for people with dementia including:
- Reducing boredom and restlessness
- Channeling nervous energy into productive activity
- Improving mood and reducing anxiety or agitation
- Keeping hands busy and reducing tendency to pick at one's self or clothing
- Encouraging creativity and self-expression
- Exercising fine motor skills
Key Features of Effective Fidget Boards
The best fidget boards for dementia have features that are visually engaging, stimulate the senses, and allow for manipulation. Some key features to look for include:
- Colorful elements like fabrics, beads, bells etc.
- Things to turn like locks, doorknobs, gears
- Items to slide like beads or locks
- Different textures to touch like fur, sandpaper, silk
- Sections that spin or rotate
- Flip up items like flaps or latches
- Things that make sound like bells, squeakers
Step-By-Step Guide to Making a Fidget Board
While you can purchase fidget boards, you can also easily make your own customized fidget board. This allows you to cater the board precisely to your loved one's interests, abilities, and needs. Follow this step-by-step guide to create the perfect fidget board for dementia:
Plan Out the Board
Start by selecting a base for your board. Good options include:
- A piece of cardboard
- Corrugated plastic sheet
- Thin sheet of wood
Choose a size that works for your space and your loved one's abilities. 16"x20" is a nice manageable size. Next, sketch out ideas for board sections based on your loved one's hobbies, career, interests etc.
Gather Your Materials
Collect an assortment of items to hot glue or screw onto the board. Almost anything can work - some ideas:
- Textures - sandpaper, silk flowers, fur
- Things to turn - locks, door handles, jar lids
- Items that open - drawers, doors, flaps
- Noisemakers - jingle bells, squeakers
- Things to slide - beads, chains
Assemble Your Fidget Board
Once you have materials collected, start attaching items onto your board. Have separate spaces and "activities" including:
- Item matching wall - gluing pairs like coin-coin, button-button
- Texture garden - different tactile areas like silk flowers, sandpaper
- Spinning wheel - attach things like bolts to a spinning dowel
- Clasp and latch board - different locks, doors, flaps
Glue or screw pieces down securely. Add padding underneath or velcro if items are removable. Include labels/instructions if it aids understanding and enjoyment.
Use and Maintain the Fidget Board
Once complete, observe your loved one using the fidget board. Note what they engage with most. Add to sections that interest them. Retire elements they don't enjoy. Maintain safety by checking pieces for wear and tear.
Encourage your loved one to play with the board for 5-10 minutes intervals multiple times per day. Engage with them by pointing out and demonstrating different sensations and activities. Make using this meaningful activity a special personalized part of their daily routine.
Additional Tips for Making a Dementia Fidget Board
Keep these additional handy tips in mind as you create a custom fidget board for a loved one with dementia:
- Use their favorite colors and decorations to aid engagement
- Incorporate favorite photos or meaningful keepsakes
- Have separate removable pieces to prevent overstimulation
- Choose safe materials for reduced frustration
- Add aromatherapy elements like essential oil pads
The Benefits of Custom Fidget Boards
Personalized fidget boards not only provide sensory stimulation, they can also foster social connection. Creating the board together and using it one-on-one gives opportunity for positive joint engagement in a strength-based activity. This can nurture relationship quality for both caregiver and care receiver.
Observing what a loved one gravitates towards provides insight into their abilities and interests. It leads to further chances for meaningful exchange based on what captures their attention and imagination. A thoughtfully designed fidget board for dementia therefore benefits both parties and strengthens understanding.
FAQs
What are the benefits of using a fidget board for someone with dementia?
Fidget boards provide sensory stimulation, channel restless energy, reduce anxiety, encourage creativity, exercise motor skills, and promote social connections for someone with dementia.
What materials can be used to make a fidget board?
You can use a base material like cardboard, plastic, or wood. Then attach items like textured fabrics, locks, bells, beads, jar lids, squeakers, and anything else with sensory elements the person will enjoy interacting with.
How big should I make my dementia fidget board?
Aim for a fidget board around 16 inches by 20 inches. This allows you to incorporate different sections and activities while still keeping it a manageable size for use and storage.
Can I buy a premade fidget board for dementia instead?
Yes, you can purchase premade dementia fidget boards and busy boards online and in stores. However, making your own allows for a customized experience based on personal preferences.
What safety tips should I keep in mind for my homemade fidget board?
Use sturdy attachment methods for pieces, add padding and velcro as needed, and check regularly for damaged parts that need replacement. Avoid materials that could shatter or cut the user.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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