Learn about how Heather O'Neil used online tools to keep her mum active and happy. While looking after her mum, who had mixed dementia, Heather O’Neil discovered lots of new craft and activity ideas for her. As her condition progressed, she used online tools to her keep mum active and happy.

After her mum was diagnosed in 2012, Heather drew on her love of arts and crafts to come up with creative activity ideas. From simple colouring to puzzles and paper flower-making, these activities had a great effect. 

Heather’s ideas worked so well, that she started writing about them on her brilliant art therapy blog and Facebook page. She also started selling the paper flowers that her mum had made, raising over £600 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Here are five online activities they enjoyed together:

1. Online puzzles

Lots of people enjoy jigsaw puzzles and they can be a fun activity for people living with dementia, providing they’re not too difficult. We have a selection of dementia-friendly jigsaws available in our shop.

The good thing about online puzzles is that there is a wide range to choose from at different difficulty levels. Some websites, such as JIGIDI, can even transform your old photos into puzzles, which is great for triggering memories and conversation. 

Heather says:

‘My mum had always loved doing puzzles, but as the disease progressed I had to find puzzles with fewer, larger pieces.

‘With JIGIDI, the puzzle pieces are all the right way up and jump in like magic when they are in the correct position. Mum managed 24 pieces all on her own, but it was good to know that we could go down to 12-piece puzzles if we needed to.’

2. Colouring websites

Adult colouring books have been very popular in recent years, and it can be a fun or soothing activity for people with dementia.  Online colouring works well on tablets and touchscreen devices, where it’s easy to tap and fill the white spaces. This is particularly true for people in the later stages of the condition, when using a pen, pencil or computer mouse may no longer be possible.

Heather says:

‘The website we used was The Color. There's a wonderful choice of colourings, from animals and flowers to vehicles, circus, trains ... the list is endless! Once you have coloured the picture you can print it off or share it with friends and family as there is also an email option.

‘Colouring with this website is so much fun, and any mistakes made just add to the enjoyment. I think mum and I laughed more with this activity than any other!’

3. YouTube videos

YouTube is another great source of entertainment. The website’s huge archive of older videos is great for reminiscing, whether it’s old music, TV or sports. Whatever a person’s interests, you’ll find plenty of choice available to browse and search.

Heather says:

‘I used my laptop to show mum funny animal videos – it was a great way to keep her entertained and happy. I found this such a help while I am in the kitchen, and it was wonderful to hear her laughter and I could just pop my head round to check on her.’

4. Music playlists

Music and singing groups are often popular with people living with dementia, providing meaning and enjoyment into the later stages of the condition. As well as watching videos on YouTube or BBC iPlayer, making a playlist of old favourites is perfect for playing in the background.

Playlist for Life is a website specifically designed for people living with dementia, while there’s also a huge collection available on Spotify. You could also try using online assistants such as Alexa, Siri or Google Home, which are capable of lots more beyond just music.

Heather says:

‘We used Alexa literally all the time. To ask the weather, create a shopping list, set a timer, ask for jokes... But most of all to play music.

‘My mum's parents were from Scotland. She talked about them all the time now, so having Scottish music on made her very happy, as you can see.’

5. Online games 

'Brain training' games are popular with people in the early stages of dementia and those that are worried about their memory. While there is no evidence that these games will specifically help to prevent dementia, some studies have shown it can help aspects of memory and thinking. 

Aside from ‘training’ the brain, online games can be simply good fun for people living with dementia. App stores and websites are full of free games and puzzles, so have a look for something that matches the person’s interests.

Heather says:

‘This was definitely an activity that required my input, but it got my mum thinking and is very stimulating and fun!’