Simple Yet Powerful Tools for Dementia Care: An OT-Informed Approach
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Simple Yet Powerful Tools for Dementia Care: An OT-Informed Approach
Caring for individuals with dementia requires a thoughtful, sensory-rich approach that supports both cognitive functioning and emotional well-being. As occupational therapists, we understand the power of simple, familiar tools to engage individuals meaningfully—especially when those tools are introduced with intention.
At Sensory Together we curate tools that are beautiful, functional, and purposeful—just the way dementia care should be. Below, we’re highlighting a few of our favorite low-tech, high-impact resources that can be easily integrated into daily routines at home or in care settings.
Therapy Putty for Dementia Care: A Simple Tool for Big Benefits
Therapy putty is a simple yet highly effective tool for individuals living with dementia. This moldable material provides consistent tactile input, proprioceptive feedback, and an opportunity for repetitive hand motions—all of which help regulate the sensory system, support hand function, and promote calm.
OT Suggestions:
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Offer therapy putty during quiet times of day to support regulation and reduce restlessness.
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Encourage gentle squeezing, rolling, or pinching to maintain hand strength, joint flexibility, and attention.
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Use in combination with music or conversation to create a calming sensory routine that supports engagement.
Rummaging for Calm: Acrylic Gems and Wool Felt Balls
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Shop Wool Felt Balls →
Shop Sensory Bin →
Rummaging behaviors are common, especially in the middle to later stages of dementia. A designated, safe, and engaging rummage bin can help redirect this need in a calming, productive way.
Our sensory bins feature tactile and colorful materials like acrylic gems and wool felt balls, which are ideal for digging, sorting, or simply running hands through to create soothing sensory feedback.
OT Suggestions:
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Offer a variety of textures and colors to encourage sensory exploration and stimulate visual interest.
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Use muffin tins, sorting trays, or bowls to promote executive functioning and decision-making.
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Pair with familiar music or themed conversation (e.g., gardening, cooking) to support memory and reduce anxiety.
Scented Pencils & Markers: Activating Memory Through Smell and Creativity
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Shop Scented Pencils →
Scent is strongly tied to memory, and incorporating scented pencils and markers into creative activities can awaken dormant pathways and encourage self-expression. These tools are visually stimulating, easy to grip, and offer a multisensory way to support both fine motor coordination and emotional connection.
OT Suggestions:
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Encourage tracing, doodling, or coloring to support hand-eye coordination and expressive language.
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Offer a choice of scents to promote autonomy and stimulate curiosity.
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Use themed prompts (seasons, nature, holidays) to tap into personal memories and storytelling.
Magic Sand for Dementia Care: Sensory, Soothing, and Stimulating
Magic Sand is a versatile, hydrophobic sand that can be used dry or wet—offering two distinct sensory experiences in one therapeutic tool. When dry, it delivers a soft, calming tactile input that helps reduce stress and promote self-soothing. When water is added, it transforms into an underwater sensory activity that’s still dry to the touch—inviting curiosity and play.
OT Suggestions:
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Regulation Support: Offer dry Magic Sand during transitions or anxious moments for calming tactile input.
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Cognitive Stimulation: Use wet Magic Sand to introduce cause-and-effect learning and visual engagement.
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Fine Motor Practice: Pair with scoops or small tools to build hand strength and coordination.
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Reminiscence & Language: Add themed items (e.g., seashells, seasonal objects) to inspire storytelling or conversation.
Why Simple Sensory Tools Matter in Dementia Care
In dementia care, tools don’t need to be complex to be effective. In fact, the simpler they are, the more space they leave for dignity, creativity, and connection. When chosen with intention and supported by therapeutic guidance, items like therapy putty, Magic Sand, or a sensory rummage bin become more than just activities—they become meaningful moments of calm, joy, and memory.
Whether you're a caregiver, therapist, or family member, consider how these thoughtfully curated tools might offer not only engagement, but also a pathway to connection and quality of life.