Don't Forget About Late-Stage Dementia - Them Need Activities Too

By Meghan Morrissey - February 26, 2026

Don't Forget the Late-Stage Dementia Residents

Late‑stage dementia often affects a person’s ability to respond to their environment, hold a conversation, or control movement. Because of this, it’s hard to predict what might spark interest or engagement. Responses may be very subtle—a brief glance, a small change in facial expression, or a gentle reach toward an object. Participation time is usually short, sometimes only a few minutes. Offer breaks as needed, and if the person loses interest, simply try a different activity.
Here’s an activity many late‑stage participants enjoy:
Golf Balls & Muffin Tin (or Egg Carton)

Place 12 golf balls in a bowl and set out a mini‑muffin tin or egg carton.
Put one golf ball into the muffin tin to show the idea.
Place a second golf ball in the participant’s hand and invite them to put it into the tin or carton.
Praise their success.
Hand them another golf ball and repeat the task at their pace.

One of the late‑stage residents smiled when I placed a golf ball in his hand and invited him to put it in the muffin tin. It seemed to spark a memory for him.
Addition activities for late‑stage participants include:

Flower arranging.
Folding napkins or hand towels from a small basket.
Looking through photo albums or travel/food magazines with more pictures than words.
Polishing a simple wooden object, such as a duck or figurine, with a small amount of oil.
Sorting or stacking colored tiles.
Sorting poker chips.
Painting simple coloring pages with watercolors.
Lacing cards with large holes and yarn.
Bean bag toss.

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