Virtual Activity Ideas for Winter

As winter is upon us you may find yourself with extra free time home for the holidays, stuck inside due to the weather, or both! If you’re looking to make the most of this season while spending more time inside, we have compiled a list of virtual activities and programs you can access from the comfort of home to help your loved one stay engaged.

• See Me at the Smithsonian (See Me) is a free, virtual interactive program for adults with dementia and their care partners. During each event, pre-registered participants (12-15 people) explore some of the Smithsonian’s most beloved objects through small group discussions and multi-sensory activities. See Me programs provide intellectual engagement, socialization, and an opportunity for loved ones to spend time together in a relaxed setting. Programs rotate between Smithsonian museums and are offered virtually via Zoom.
  • These public programs are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 2:00p to 3:00p EST on Zoom. Please email access@si.edu for specific program dates and Zoom links.

• The Spy Museum's SPY with Me is an interactive virtual program for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. Join SPY as we use music and artifacts to explore some of our favorite spy stories. Programs last one hour and are held virtually through Zoom. Every month the same program is offered on two different dates.
  • To register, please email Shana Oltmans at soltmans@spymuseum.org with your preferred date. This virtual program is free but is space is limited. 

• The AFA Teal Room from the Alzheimer's Foundation of America is your one-stop shop for virtual therapeutic activities to enjoy with your loved ones from the safety of your own home! Virtual therapeutic activities include: Creative arts therapies, Music/performances, Fitness/movement, Art, Recreational activities, Nature-based programming …and more!
  • Additionally, past virtual community classes can be accessed for free at any time. Check out the large online archive!

• Dementia Action Alliance offers a live online engagement program for people living with dementia. There are a variety of programs, such as For Love & Art, Music Beat & Trivia, Poetry Club, and Stories in the Moment to name some. This program is a great way to connect with others and have fun doing interesting and engaging activities.
  • These programs are held Monday – Friday, from 2:00 – 3:00pm ET. Programs are free. If this is your first time participating, please email to register at daapodcasts@gmail.com.

• Mt. Vernon Virtual Memory Café hosted by Senior Helpers and Connections for Seniors invites caregivers and their loved ones living with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment or dementia to meet with others for support, companionship and fun. This Memory Café utilizes a variety of activities to promote social interaction, engagement, cognition and reminiscing.
  • This program is held the First Friday of every month from 1:00 - 2:00 pm ET. You can go to zoom.us to enter in the meeting ID and password.
    • Meeting ID: 534 971 0828
    • Password: 2020
  • Get on the monthly email reminder list - email nova@seniorhelpers.com.