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Making Dementia Puzzles

Shared by Vyger on 2014-11-01 05:24

About the solution

This is a project I developed for my dad. You can find the entire project complete with some history and in depth descriptions and pictures at the following web page.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-Dementia-Puzzles-for-my-Dad/
Instructables is a web site dedicated to teaching people how to do things and as such it was the perfect forum for me to post this project.
The project that I made is itself pretty complex but that is because I tailored it specifically for my dad and tried to make it as interesting as I could for him. This was not a rush project but was done over many months as I had the time. Simpler and easier variations of this project can be made from other woods or even other materials and other patterns. I could even see it being made with quilting materials. I made mine from hardwoods because that is what my dad has loved working with for much of his life.
One of the goals was to make something that could be easily kept organized, I wanted it to fit in a storage tub. The second was to make the parts so they could be easily recognized so if any are lost or misplaced any attendant would be able to know where they belonged. And of course I wanted to make something that my dad would enjoy and that would not frustrate him. There is no correct way to put this together. Any way is correct so no matter what he does it should be a positive experience. Probably the hardest thing is putting it all back in the storage tub but he doesn't have to do that. He can keep pieces out and I even made stands for some so they can be on "display". Pictures are included on the inside of the lid so it shows where everything goes. For many of the parts there is only one way they will fit in the storage bin. You can't get them in wrong. Some of my friends tried but in the end they went in the way it was designed.
Ultimately this puzzle set will not improve his condition but what it will do is bring him some joy and make his life more colorful and more interesting. As I brought out in the instructable if he does nothing more than carry a few pieces around in his pocket to show others, it is a success. Because of the hardwoods I used and the way I put them together they cannot be easily broken and they are finished smooth to the touch. They are comfortable to hold. If they go in the wash its fine. The finish should endure it and I can always just refinish any of them. Its something that he can enjoy, share with others, with enough variety that he should not get tired of them. I sat and arranged them for hours myself, its actually amazing to see what patterns you can come up with.

This solution shall not include mention to the use of drugs, chemicals or biologicals (including food); invasive devices; offensive, commercial or inherently dangerous content. This solution was not medically validated. Proceed with caution! If you have any doubts, please consult with a health professional.

About the author

This is a project I developed for my dad. You can find the entire project complete with some history and in depth descriptions and pictures at the following web page.
http://www.instructables.com/id/Making-Dementia-Puzzles-for-my-Dad/

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