What Makes an Activity Dementia-Friendly? Designing a Puzzle for People With Dementia 

For people living with dementia, certain activities can really boost their wellbeing and brighten their day. When chosen and planned correctly, taking part in activities allows people affected by dementia to bond with their loved ones or friends and spark fond memories of the past.

So what exactly makes an activity dementia-friendly? 

At A Good Day, we specialise in creating a range of activities and games designed to help people with dementia connect with others and feel more positive.

In this blog, we’re spilling the beans on what makes an activity dementia friendly by taking you behind the scenes of our new product, a set of four seasonal jigsaws.

1. Reminiscence: choosing familiar, meaningful themes for people with dementia 

Familiarity is comforting, so choosing creative activities based on recognisable places and life experiences is a great move. Not only does it make people with dementia feel calm and comforted, but it can also stir up old memories and start lovely conversations. 

When we were creating our Seasonal Memories Jigsaw Puzzle Collection, we wanted to celebrate the beauty of everyday life throughout the year, capturing gentle moments of joy and connection.

• Spring Memories – a bright, blossoming picnic scene by the canal.
• Summer Memories – a sunny seaside day out with family.
• Autumn Memories – golden leaves, pumpkins, and cosy walks.
• Winter Memories – a peaceful evening by the fire playing board games.

Read more about what reminiscence therapy is all about and how you can try it out yourself as a loved one or carer for somebody with dementia.

2. Dementia-friendly colours: focusing on clarity and contrast

For people with dementia, visual clarity is key. 

Puzzles and games that use warm, high-contrast colours and clear, uncluttered images help focus attention and reduce confusion.

Dementia friendly design also uses subtle design choices like avoiding overly busy scenes or harsh tones to improve mood and confidence. 

Learn more about colour perception in dementia.

3. Planning for comfort and ease of use at every stage of dementia

Activities for dementia shouldn’t just look good, but also feel good, too.

Pieces should be easy to pick up, handle, and enjoy independently, without causing frustration or overwhelm.

When designing dementia friendly games and activities, we focus large pieces, tactile materials, and intuitive design.

The Seasonal Memories puzzles use 35 extra-large, sturdy pieces that are simple to grasp and satisfying to place. Even the magnetic box they come in is designed for easily handling and it doubles up as a surface to complete the puzzle on (we really tried to think of everything!).

4. Gentle stimulation and social connection to boost wellbeing

Dementia friendly activities should stimulate players without overwhelming them. After all, it’s not about winning games or testing skills, it’s about encouraging engagement and enjoyment.

Jigsaws, artistic activities, and conversation games are perfect for calm focus with a side of gentle conversation and companionship.

We wanted the nostalgic illustrations in our Seasonal Memories Jigsaw Collection to put a smile on people’s faces and invite conversation, without any obligation.

5. Dignified and thoughtful presentation

When creating resources for people with dementia and their carers, it’s really important to us that they look and feel accessible to everyone.

We’ve lived through a loved one’s journey with dementia, and we know how challenging it can be to maintain the connection and make them feel respected and loved at every stage. 

So, we believe dementia-friendly design should always protect dignity and promote independence. 

The Seasonal Memories puzzles come in discreet, dignified packaging with no mention of dementia – it’s a thoughtful gift anyone would be proud to give or enjoy, and it’s suitable for all the family to play.

Bringing joy across the seasons through dementia friendly activities 

Meaningful activities support people with dementia to retain their identity and sense of purpose in life – not to mention sparking beautiful moments of joy and connection.

The Seasonal Memories Jigsaw Puzzle Collection has been thoughtfully designed to stimulate conversation and bring people together. It’s available as a complete collection, as individual jigsaws, or as part of a bumper Care Home & Community Package, perfect for care organisations.

Order your set of jigsaws now or explore the full range of dementia-friendly activities.