For Dementia Action Week, 18–24 May 2026, Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people and organisations to come together to raise awareness and support those affected by dementia. At Halstead Hall, activities are carefully planned to be enjoyable, inclusive and stimulating for all residents, including those living with dementia. From word games and sensory activities to memory prompts and conversation starters, these sessions are designed to encourage connection, confidence and engagement in a relaxed and supportive way.
One of the much-loved activities at Halstead Hall is based around familiar idioms and sayings. Residents may be given the beginning of a well-known phrase, such as “don’t cry over…” or “every cloud has…”, before being encouraged to complete the final words. These phrases are often deeply rooted in memory and can spark recognition, laughter and conversation.
Once the saying has been completed, residents are invited to talk about what it means, whether they have used it before, and any memories or stories it brings to mind. This simple activity can become a wonderful way to encourage reminiscence, communication and shared understanding.
Word games are also a regular part of life at Halstead Hall. Using the whiteboard, residents enjoy games such as hangman, crosswords, word searches and themed challenges, such as naming “things you could find in the garden”, “things you could find in the lounge” or “things you might see at the seaside”.
These activities offer gentle cognitive stimulation while also creating opportunities for residents to share ideas, work together and celebrate each answer. For someone living with dementia, being able to contribute to a group activity can help support confidence, self-esteem and a sense of belonging.
Another favourite is “What’s in the bag?”, a sensory activity where different objects are placed inside a bag or box. Residents are then encouraged to feel the object and guess what it might be using touch alone.
This activity can be particularly engaging because it does not rely only on words or memory. Instead, it encourages curiosity, sensory recognition and discussion. A familiar object can often lead to a story, a memory or a moment of connection, whether it is something linked to home life, hobbies, work or childhood.
At Halstead Hall, these daily activities are about far more than passing the time. They help residents stay connected to their memories, their interests and each other. They can encourage conversation, provide structure to the day and create moments of joy, achievement and familiarity.
For residents living with dementia, the smallest moments can often be the most meaningful: finishing a familiar saying, guessing an object by touch, finding the right word in a puzzle, or laughing together over a shared memory.
This Dementia Action Week, we are proud to celebrate the dedicated teams across our homes who create these thoughtful moments every day. At Halstead Hall, dementia support is built into daily life through kindness, patience and activities that help each resident feel involved, valued and understood.
To hear more about the activities in Halstead Hall, head to their Facebook page to see our resident’s daily lives. Or to see our daily activities for yourself, book a tour with our friendly admissions team on 0333 241 9707.
