Decorating a Gingerbread House

Decorating a gingerbread house can be a fun and engaging activity for individuals with dementia. This activity stimulates cognitive functions, enhances fine motor skills, and provides sensory engagement.

You will need a gingerbread house kit (or homemade gingerbread pieces), icing, a variety of candies, and a stable work surface. Explain the task to the participant. Show them the gingerbread pieces and decorations, and explain how to assemble and decorate the house. Start with a simple demonstration of how to apply icing to the edges of the gingerbread pieces and assemble the house structure. Then show how to decorate with candies and additional icing.

• Cognitive Stimulation: Following the steps to decorate a gingerbread house may enhance memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
• Fine Motor Skills: Handling the icing, placing candies, and assembling the house enhance dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Sensory Engagement: The tactile experience of handling the gingerbread pieces and decorations, along with the pleasant smells and tastes, provide soothing sensory input.