Helping your children understand why their grandparent is struggling with Alzheimer’s can be tough. There are times when they might feel confused or even frightened by this new phase in the family, but finding ways to make sure that your kids and your loved one spend quality time together is important, and games could be an excellent way to accomplish this and help everyone feel more connected.
You should not shield your children from their grandparent’s diagnosis; rather, help them to embrace the relationship – kids love to spend time with their grandparents, and one of the best ways that they both can grow closer to one another is to play games. There are several indoor and outdoor activities grandparents and grandchildren can enjoy together, even if your loved one is living with dementia. Here are some games for grandparents to play with their grandchildren:
Word-recognition games are excellent because they can help jog your parent’s memory and improve his or her cognitive skills. At the same time, it can also help your child boost their vocabulary and spelling. Talk about a win-win for the whole family. It also requires just a pen and paper, and can be played almost anywhere. Because one of the first signs of dementia-related illness is the inability to recognize certain words or phrases, having your parent spell them out could help them deal with this symptom more effectively.
This could be an excellent way for both your parent and child to relax and spend some time outside. We all know that children need to get outdoors and play for their health, and some sunshine and fresh air is also excellent for your parent. For example, your dad could join the younger kids for a fun afternoon of bocce ball, bowling or mini-golf. If he’s spending time with older kids, they may all enjoy a round of golf on the “big boy” course or the children can swing a racket with their grandpa at the local tennis court. There great benefits to staying active and enjoying sports they once loved, so this is an excellent idea for mental and physical health.
Observational skills are a crucial aspect of child development and can also help your dad if he struggles with dementia, and these skill sets are one of the building blocks of this fun, treasure hunt-themed activity. This doesn’t have to be too complicated, either. You can simply make a list of items that are found in the backyard, such as a feather, a certain type of leaf or garden tool. If you want, you can even include rhymes so that both your dad and child can add some poetry into the mix. Not only does this help them understand their environment more perceptively, but it can also allow them to bond together as a team.
Some of the most memorable pastimes that kids have with their grandparents is playing card games, and the best thing about them is that they often require simple math principals like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. This is obviously an excellent activity for your child as she learns these techniques in school. Skills such as these are also very beneficial for your mom because math skills are important in keeping up and tracking budget – which is one of the things that many seniors are faced with with when they are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Since kids are tech-savvy these days, video games are an excellent way for your little ones to teach their grandparents. While there are some that might not be suitable for your dad, there are others that encourage physical activity – such as Wii Fit – and several games that specifically focus on interaction and memory skills.
Let your little ones go through some of their grandparents old clothes and play dress-up. You mom may forget things in the short-term, but might remember events that happened decades ago. As your children play dress-up, your parent can tell them stories about when they grew up and the adventures they had. This will fascinate your kids and your mom will enjoy sharing.
Respite Stays & Day Stays give family caregivers a real break—hours, days, or a few weeks—while your loved one enjoys a safe, enriching short‑term home at Aegis Living. Guests settle into a beautifully furnished private apartment and have 24/7 care staff and onsite nurses, medication management, and discreet safety technology (motion sensors, medical‑alert pendants, visitor check‑in) for peace of mind. Each day feels purposeful with chef‑prepared, all‑day dining and 200+ monthly activities—from book clubs and fitness classes to movie nights—plus full use of the community. We coordinate with your loved one’s physicians to mirror their routines and care, so the stay feels familiar. It’s also a smart trial run for senior living: meet neighbors, test services, and see what supported independence looks like—without a long‑term commitment. Choose a Respite Stay when you’re traveling or need time to recharge, when your loved one would benefit from structure, social connection, and great meals, or when you both want peace of mind while keeping options open.
Hospice & End‑of‑Life Care at Aegis Living is comfort‑first support for the final stage of life, delivered in your loved one’s private apartment by our 24/7 care team in coordination with a trusted local hospice provider you choose (or we can recommend). Together, we create a coordinated care plan that manages pain and other symptoms, oversees medications, and provides calm, dignified help with daily needs, while offering compassionate emotional support for both resident and family. Discreet safety measures and a reliable medical‑alert system bring help quickly; chef‑prepared, in‑apartment meals adapt to changing appetites. Families are guided through decisions and moments of closure so they can focus on being present in a peaceful, home‑like setting. If your loved one already lives at Aegis, they can remain in the comfort of their home, avoiding disruptive moves. Choose this level of care when curative treatment is no longer the goal and you want expert symptom control, hands‑on daily support, and a setting that protects dignity and prioritizes comfort, meaning, and time together.
Memory Care is specialized, secure support for people living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias who benefit from a calm, structured environment and round‑the‑clock expertise. At Aegis Living, that care happens in Life’s Neighborhood—an intimate, thoughtfully designed setting where 24/7 dementia‑trained caregivers and a nursing team on site seven days a week deliver personalized help with daily living, medication management, and mobility (including Hoyer lifts and two‑person transfers), while gently redirecting agitation and confusion. Days are purpose‑filled with science‑based cognitive programming, certified music therapy, and social activities; chef‑prepared meals are easy to enjoy and dining spaces and cues are designed for memory support. Discreet safety features like secured entrances, emergency pendants with fall detection, and optional motion sensors, prevent wandering and bring peace of mind, and visiting physicians and wellness professionals reduce trips off‑site. Families receive education and ongoing support. If your loved one is unsafe alone, missing medications, wandering, needs frequent cueing or hands‑on help with bathing or dressing, or thrives with a predictable routine, Memory Care offers the right level of care. For milder needs, our transitional Assisted Living can be a first step; for advancing symptoms, secured Memory Care provides the specialized, heartfelt support to help them feel calm, connected, and at home.