Meaningful activities add value and quality to a person’s life. Meaningful activities may include a number of things from daily living tasks through to social outings and meetings.
Dementia UK
Dementia UK has some useful information about meaningful activities for a person with dementia.
ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland)
ALISS is a national digital platform where people can find information on services, groups and support in their local communities and online.
Alzheimer Scotland
Alzheimer Scotland run a variety of groups across Aberdeenshire, including peer support groups, social get-togethers, and activities. Find out what’s available in your local area.
Forget-Me-Not-Club
The Forget-Me-Not Club covers the Banchory and upper Deeside area. It offers people with dementia and their carers weekly activities including:
- arts
- crafts
- music
- walking
- golf
- shopping
- Tai chi
- complementary therapies
Dementia friendly groups
There are dementia friendly groups in Aberdeenshire, including:
Many people with dementia say they aren’t looking for activities specifically ‘for dementia’. They just want activities they can take part in. The Boogie in the Bar is a great example of this. It was started by someone with dementia and his carer in Aberdeen City. It is now being adopted across Aberdeenshire.
Lived experiences: giving individuals a voice
Hearing the perspective and experiences of people with dementia is a helpful way of raising awareness and understanding. View a small selection of blogs written by people with dementia that are available online:
Age Peterhead
Age Peterhead provides information to older people and disabled people. They provide a befriending service to relieve carers and transport for social functions. They also organise day trips and short breaks in Fochabers, Morayshire.
Connecting people, connecting support online
Connecting people, connecting support online has activities and resources for people with dementia, their family members and carers. It can help you include meaningful activity in your daily routine. People with dementia have recommended the resources and activities.
Grampian 50+ network
Grampian 50+ is an association of walking groups across Grampian, including Aberdeenshire. Volunteers organise opportunities for all members to meet and mingle. Activities include walking days, social and craft activities.
Granton Developments
Granton Developments provides services including domestic support and befriending to those affected by dementia and Alzheimer’s across Aberdeenshire. They are based in Kintore.
Kincardine and Deeside Befriending
Kincardine and Deeside Befriending support people over 55 to maintain social contacts and reduce social isolation through volunteer befrienders in the local area.
Mearns and Coastal Healthy Living Network
Mearns and Coastal Health Living Network supports the wellbeing of people aged 50 and over in the local area by providing a range of services, groups, activities, and regular dementia-friendly drop-in cafés. Services include help with transport, shopping and gardening.
Positive Steps Kemnay
A dementia friendly project, Positive Steps Kemnay, organise walking groups and a Strength and Balance group.
Men’s Sheds
A Men’s Shed is a place a man can go to get involved in practical tasks, make friends and share their experience and knowledge. They can provide a sense of wellbeing and improved health. There are registered Men’s Sheds across Aberdeenshire.
Find your local Men’s Shed on the Scottish Men’s Shed Association website.