Often times finding holiday crafts to make with Alzheimer’s or dementia residents can be difficult. The degree of difficulty, and tools used in some crafts will need to vary depending upon ones cognitive function levels. Many holiday crafts may not be safe due to toxic paints, glues, or tools that may be harmful if used by someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia. One craft that can never fail with Dementia residents, are Edible Crafts!! Try some of these holiday crafts that can be made for family gifts, or even for the resident to enjoy themselves over this Holiday Season!!

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels:

Supplies: Jumbo Pretzel Sticks, Microwaveable Dipping Chocolate, Variety of Sprinkles

Have residents dip their Jumbo Pretzel Sticks into the melted chocolate. Once chocolate is on the Pretzel, have residents choose colorful sprinkles to shake over or roll on top of the chocolate. Next lay finished pretzels on Parchment paper and refrigerate until chocolate settles. Then have residents wrap their finished pretzels in colorful saran wrap to pass out for the holidays!

No-bake Chocolate Covered Chow Mein Noodle Cookies:

Supplies: Chocolate Chips, Butterscotch Chips, Chow Mein Noodles, Sprinkles

Combine chocolate and butterscotch chips into a microwaveable safe container. Microwave until chips are melted. (Stir periodically throughout microwaving to prevent burning.)Once chips are melts, stir in chow mein noodles. Then use a spoon to scoop covered noodles onto parchment paper and add sprinkles. Cool at room temperature, or refrigerate until cool, then serve!

Edible Chocolate/Candy Molding Clay:

Supplies: 14 oz Melting Chocolate or Candy Melts, 1/3 cup light corn syrup

Microwave chocolate or candy melts until they are melted. (Stir periodically throughout microwaving to prevent burning.)Add corn syrup. Stir and mix until syrup is blended evenly and mixture begins to seize up and turning into dough. Place mixture on parchment paper or refrigerate for a few hours to allow mixture to completely cool and set. Then “Viola” you have your edible molding clay, so pull out the cookie cutters and clay tools and mold away!!

 

Remember, the possibilities with these programs are only limited by one’s own creativity!! So encourage your residents’ creativity and enjoy the holidays!! Learn more about Dementia and Creativity by clicking here!!

Happy Holidays from Linked Senior!!!!