Make a 'life story' book. Gather old photos, letters and other memorabilia that reflect the significant and special events in the life of the person with dementia. This can be used to stimulate past memories and reaffirm the worth of a person.

Allow the person the dignity of risk. Cutting food, pouring tea, stirring in the sugar are basic skills which remain for long periods. Rarely are these tasks any more dangerous for the person with dementia than for the carer.

Exercise is important in maintaining health. It also helps people sleep better at night. Walking is cheap and suitable for most fitness levels. A walk in the fresh air each day provides a change of scene and topics to talk about. Exercising to music is another way to stay fit as well as being fun. Perhaps you both enjoy dancing. The person with dementia may well remember the steps and be delighted to have retained this ability. If not, simply improvise.

Listening to music can remain a pleasure for a long time. Tape favourite music and songs to which you can listen and sing along. Music is a powerful tool which can quickly alter moods and emotion. Try it in particularly difficult times or to avoid them.

House and garden work the person may help dust, sweep, make beds, do the washing, folding clothes etc. Helping prepare meals and setting the table will often stimulate the appetite and encourage eating. For gardeners: sweeping paths, planting or weeding, pottering in the garden shed or watering might be considered. Do not worry how long it takes.

Personal grooming activities. Going to the hair dresser (or have them come to you); having a manicure or pedicure; applying makeup. It is important for a person's self esteem to maintain normal patterns of behaviour and routine. All these things are activities which can give meaning and satisfaction to a person's life.(Of special note is cleanliness and dental care. If problems are encountered with these activities, enlist the aid of community nurses, your doctor or dentist).

Outings. Go to the shops even just to "window shop". Drive to the beach and enjoy some fish and chips (which the person has ordered and paid for themself). Have a picnic and BBQ. Try and maintain the same roles eg. the man cooks the meat, as in the past. On a hot summer's day, where do people go? To the swimming pool. Dementia doesn't prevent a person enjoying a dip in the cool water.

Sports. Many sports and recreational facilities will assist with special needs with prior arrangement. Golf, fishing, camping, even going to the races, are all examples of the types of things people with dementia are still capable of doing, and should be afforded the opportunity of doing, provided it is something they have done and enjoyed in the past.

Pets. Pets are an important part of many people's life. Not only are they good companions, but helping with their care can give the person a sense of usefulness, worth and responsibility. Having a dog with a strong homing sense is a good pet to take for a walk for the person likely to wander and get lost if on their own.

TV; Radio; Reading. Videos of old favourite movies or tapes of favourite radio programs are available. If your routine involved reading the daily papers or magazines, then continue to do so. Even if the person can no longer read, enjoyment can still be obtained from looking at the photos and illustrations. Caution must be exercised with TV viewing: the person may have difficulty separating TV images from reality and this could cause great distress. Likewise too much noise from radio and TV can create confusion and agitation in the person with dementia.

Special and Significant Occasions. Weddings, Christenings, family gatherings, vacations. With care and forward planning these can and should still be enjoyed by all. Simplicity is the key. Where possible, let the person choose activities that they would normally be doing, which they enjoy, and which has relevance and meaning in their life. For more ideas and practical assistance please contact the Dementia Helpline on 1800 639 331.