How can you help seniors stay active and engaged? With 2020 being as tough a year on everyone, seniors and those with dementia and Alzheimer’s have been impacted more than most realize. By losing that physical contact and visual interaction with family, it can be a challenge to stay mentally active. Dabblesack is a company that creates puzzles and activity books to help seniors stay active and engaged.
About Dabblesack
Dabblesack is an online shop that offers engaging leisure-time activities for seniors, people with dementia/Alzheimer’s, and facilities/agencies. Founded by two occupational therapists from Connecticut, Dabblesack features curated and varied collections of activities including puzzles, games, art/crafts, and soothers.
As you know, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted all age groups, but has been particularly hard for seniors. Dabblesack’s goal is to provide better moments with innovative, unique items to help people stay active and engaged. Dabblesack also offers community service projects (that can be done from home) to help instill a sense of purpose and enhance self-worth. All of Dabblesack’s activities provide a great way to involve caregivers and can make visits from friends and family (including younger visitors) more enjoyable.
Dabblesack products focus on activities that provide stimulation for those spending most (or all) of their time home alone. Puzzles and games created for seniors Activities for Seniors and people with Dementia or Alzheimers.
Some of our favorite games and activities include:
Large Print Coloring Books
Large-Print Coloring Book Set
This two coloring book set contain larger images and less detail than other adult coloring books. Sweets and Treats coloring book contains 20 pages of yummy looking treats to color. And the Rain Forest Wildlife Stained Glass Coloring Book contains 16 pages of rain forest inhabitants. Outlined on two sides of translucent paper which when completed and held to the light will give the look of stained glass. I like the bold lines and large areas to seniors to color.
Activity Books and Games
Spot the Differences Picture Puzzles Book – The Saturday Evening Post
This beautiful book has 25 pairs of colorful reproductions of magazine covers from the Saturday Evening Post. One image is the reproduction of an iconic Saturday Evening Post cover by artists including Norman Rockwell, John Falter, Steven Dohanos, Richard “Dick” Sargent, and many others. The other image has 11-15 differences (some are quite 11-15 subtle). How many differences can you find? Don’t worry though, the solutions are also included if you get stuck.
Slapzi
This game combines memory and conversations as you match up an item with a saying or phrase. (For example, the photo of a penny would work with the clue card that says: “something that fits in your pocket.”) The game is easy to play and can be modified as needed. Included are 120 picture cards, 65 clue cards, and instructions for various ways to play. Several cards are placed on the table with images facing up. Players are dealt cards which have a saying or phrase on them. Your goal is to “slap” one of the cards in your hand on top of the image that it would go along with. We have had lots of laughter and some pretty crazy conversations when someone tries to “make up” a reason for their match.
It’s a Dog’s Life: Coloring/Sticker Book
This coloring and sticker book has 3D images with unfinished sections for you to color or apply stickers. And who doesn’t love dogs? The reusable stickers are mostly of dogs in various poses that can be added to your coloring page to bring them to life. This is a clever way to enjoy coloring by completing unfinished sections to compliment the image. Adding the stickers has been a great way to involve the little ones by letting them choose which dog and where they should go on the page.
Scratch and Sketch Art Activity Book
This activity book has beautiful pictures hidden until you scratch off the cover layer. The wire bound cover opens flat for ease of use. Inside you will find 64 pages with 20 scratch-off pages, 20 illustrated pages with descriptions, and 20 free-sketch pages. There is also a stylus included for convenience. Enjoy this relaxing and engaging activity while learning about Travel or National Parks & Landmarks.
100 Mystery Illustrations to Unveil and Colored Pencil Set
This book contains mystery illustrations that you have to unveil to discover. This can be done by connecting the dots or by coloring using the guide at the bottom of the page. I enjoyed not knowing what I was coloring when starting. As the areas were completed, the image began to become visible. There are 80 pages for you to enjoy. Also included in this set are 30 premium colored pencils, a sharpener, and an eraser.
Puzzles
275-Piece Easy Handling Jigsaw Puzzle by Cobble Hill
This 24″ by 18″ puzzle has 275 large pieces for easier handling and assembly. The beautiful design is of a lighthouse along the shoreline. This puzzle is from Cobble Hill. Their puzzles are made in the USA using the finest inks and varnishes. Made from linen textured paper, premium grade blue board, and 100% recycled chipboard. Dabblesack carries the Steaming Out of Town or Lighthouse Cove designs.
Family Pieces: 350-Piece Jigsaw Puzzle by Cobble Hill
This 350-piece puzzle has three different sizes of puzzle pieces (small, medium, and large). The puzzle is set up so that the larger pieces are on one end while the smaller pieces on the other end. This design makes this puzzle a great group activity. The different sizes allow everyone to work on it together.
Two 100-Piece Jigsaw Puzzles by SunsOut
This set includes two puzzles that measure 10″ by 16″ and have 100 pieces each. Both are of the countryside and have easy to use pieces. Sunset Retreat has a cottage nestled in the trees with a babbling brook. Livin’ in the Country has a fall color theme on a farm.
Pencils and Markers
Faber-Castell – 24 GRIP Colored EcoPencils
This set of ergonomically designed, easy to grip pencils have soft-grip dots for better control. The soft-grip dots allow more control with less stress on hands. Made with break resistant lead and they have additional pigment for smooth, bright colors.
Faber-Castell – 20 GRIP Color Markers
This set of 20 easy to grip markers have an ergonomically triangular shape and Soft-Grip Dots for easier use and better control. Markers are made with non-toxic water-based ink and wash out of most clothes. And they can be re-hydrated if the caps are not secured or get left off. Simply dip the tip of the marker in water and replace the cap.
My Thoughts
With everyone spending more time at home this year, these products can bridge the gap between generations. This is especially true if you are caring for a senior or specifically, someone with Dementia & Alzheimers. It can be a real challenge keeping them active at home. These games from Dabblesack are just what is needed to help the time pass. From puzzles made with larger pieces to coloring books with simple designs, each was created with the needs of seniors in mind.
I appreciate that all of the products from Dabblesack are meant to engage and provide stimulation for those spending most (or all) of their time home alone. Puzzles are made with larger more sturdy pieces for those with shaking hands and failing sight. While their pencils and markers are triangle shaped with soft-grip dots to help with hold and control. And the coloring books and matching games can be enjoyed by all.
This holiday season, remember those that are spending it alone or in an assisted living facility. Any of these games would be so appreciated by the staff and residents. As a senior myself, and someone that has been alone most of the year, I can honestly say that these items have brought a smile to my face. I know that I will be sending several of my friends some of these items in hopes of helping them stay mentally active and engaged.
Make sure to follow Dabblesack on social media:
We’ve added Dabblesack to our Magical Merry Christmas Gift Guide #MegaChristmas20
Check it out here!
