Top 5 Crafts to Do with a Family Member in Assisted Living

Having a family member in an assisted living facility can be difficult for not only the one living there but their family members as well. Spending quality time with a loved one in assisted living is a wonderful way that you can continue to nurture your bond and create lasting memories, even though many aspects of their life may be different now. Crafting together offers not only a creative outlet but also an opportunity for meaningful interaction. Many craft activities can be tailored to varying levels of mobility and dexterity, making them accessible and enjoyable for older adults. Here are five simple yet engaging crafts that you can do together.

1. DIY Greeting Cards

Making personalized greeting cards is a heartwarming activity that encourages creativity and connection. With just a few basic supplies—such as cardstock, stickers, markers, and stamps—you and your loved one can create unique cards for birthdays, holidays, or just to say hello. This craft allows them to express their artistic side while thinking about loved ones to send the cards to. It’s also a project that can be easily adapted for those with limited mobility by using larger materials or offering assistance.

Supplies: Cardstock, decorative stickers, colored markers, glue, stamps, and scissors.

Benefits: Stimulates creativity, enhances fine motor skills, and helps maintain emotional connections with family and friends.

2. Picture Frame Decorating

Decorating picture frames can be a fun and meaningful way to display cherished family photos. You can purchase inexpensive wooden or plastic frames and personalize them with paint, ribbons, beads, or stickers. Choose simple designs to ensure the project stays accessible and fun for everyone. After the frames are decorated, add photos of family members, friends, or memorable events to spark conversations and relive treasured moments.

Supplies: Picture frames, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, beads, ribbon, glue, and stickers.

Benefits: Encourages creativity, sparks memories, and strengthens family connections.

3. Clay Hand Molds

Crafting clay hand molds is a sentimental and memorable activity that results in a keepsake your loved one can cherish. Using air-dry clay, you can gently press their hand into the soft material to create a mold. Once dry, the mold can be painted and decorated. This craft is particularly meaningful for family members as it preserves a physical imprint of your loved one, creating a lasting memory that can be displayed or gifted.

Supplies: Air-dry clay, paint, and paintbrushes.

Benefits: Creates a lasting memento, encourages tactile interaction, and promotes hand-eye coordination.

4. Memory Scrapbooking

Scrapbooking is a craft that invites creativity while also celebrating cherished memories. Gather old photos, ticket stubs, postcards, and other mementos that hold special significance. Work together to arrange these items in a scrapbook, and encourage your loved one to share stories or memories about the items. This craft is an excellent way to stimulate conversation, improve cognitive function, and create a beautiful, personalized keepsake.

Supplies: Scrapbook, glue, scissors, colored paper, stickers, photos, and markers.

Benefits: Stimulates memory recall, encourages storytelling, and preserves family history.

5. No-Sew Fleece Blankets

Creating a no-sew fleece blanket is a fun and practical activity that results in a cozy finished product. All you need are two pieces of fleece fabric and some scissors. Simply cut fringe along the edges of the fabric and tie the pieces together. This project is easy to do and can be completed at your own pace, making it ideal for older adults who may need more time or assistance. At the end, your loved one will have a warm, personalized blanket to use or gift to someone special.

Supplies: Fleece fabric, scissors.

Benefits: Provides sensory stimulation, promotes relaxation, and creates a useful and comforting product.

Utah Assisted Living

Utah Assisted Living brings crafting with a family member to the next level in a meaningful way to share time together and foster creativity. The best part? These projects can be adapted to meet various physical or cognitive abilities, making them accessible to all. Whether you’re creating a handmade card or preserving memories in a scrapbook, these activities offer more than just fun—they help build connections, stimulate the mind, and bring a sense of accomplishment to both you and your loved one. So gather some supplies, sit down with your loved one, and let your creativity shine!