{"id":34166,"date":"2024-05-02T13:02:45","date_gmt":"2024-05-02T17:02:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/?p=34166"},"modified":"2026-04-21T14:37:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-21T18:37:02","slug":"therapeutic-effects-of-jigsaw-puzzles-for-your-residents-with-dementia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ssww.com\/blog\/therapeutic-effects-of-jigsaw-puzzles-for-your-residents-with-dementia\/","title":{"rendered":"Therapeutic Effects of Jigsaw Puzzles for Your Residents With Dementia"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When most people think of activities for residents with dementia, jigsaw puzzles usually do not come to mind right away. But jigsaw puzzles can offer a variety of therapeutic effects for residents with cognitive impairment. Here are a few to consider:<\/p>\n

Jigsaw Puzzles Can Be Fun<\/strong><\/p>\n

Solving puzzles can keep your residents entertained for longer periods of time. There are lots of games that residents can play while solving jigsaw puzzles. For instance, you can challenge your resident to sort puzzle pieces by color (e.g., sorting juice pieces<\/a> by color), to find all the pieces with at least one straight edge (i.e., the puzzle edge pieces), and to group the puzzle pieces according to the object in the puzzle (e.g., piling all the flower pieces<\/a> together, etc.).<\/p>\n

In addition, jigsaw puzzles encourage socialization that can help eliminate isolation and loneliness that may be experienced by your residents. In fact, providing regular jigsaw activities can encourage new friendships among your residents as they work together to solve the puzzles.<\/p>\n

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Jigsaw Puzzles Can Improve Physical Abilities<\/strong><\/p>\n

Using jigsaw puzzles that have bright colors and big pieces<\/a> can assist residents with their finger dexterity while also improving their hand-eye coordination. Vivid colors stand out more, making it easier for your residents to find matching pieces. In addition, the larger pieces allow residents to easily handle them as they put the puzzle together.<\/p>\n

Jigsaw Puzzles Can Bring Back Memories<\/strong><\/p>\n

Finding jigsaw puzzles that relate to an area of a resident\u2019s life can help jog some of their memories. For instance, a puzzle with flowers<\/a> can be memorable to someone who had a backyard flower garden. While a puzzle with a lighthouse<\/a> can bring back memories to someone who used to vacation on the coast.<\/p>\n

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Jigsaw Puzzles Can Be Relaxing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Relaxation is another benefit of jigsaw puzzles for residents with dementia. Afterall, spending time looking for matching pieces and putting them together can help residents get their minds off any worries they may have by focusing on the task at hand. Doing so can be very relaxing for the resident, which can ultimately reduce stress and anxiety.<\/p>\n

Jigsaw Puzzles Can Boost Self-Esteem<\/strong><\/p>\n

Having residents work on puzzles can boost their self-esteem with each puzzle piece that they are able to assemble. Using easier puzzles with fewer pieces can assist residents with accomplishing a goal of completing a jigsaw puzzle.<\/p>\n

New Puzzles at S&S for 2024<\/h2>\n

Garden and Animal Puzzles:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Bright and colorful flowers are featured in these puzzles, and also great for cat lovers!<\/p>\n