From assessment to action — practical tools for ability-based dementia care.
Welcome to the M.I. Care Hub™
The M.I. Care Hub™ is a comprehensive resource designed to help healthcare and caregiving professionals put the M.I. Care Survey and Plan™ into practice. It provides practical, ability-based strategies that translate assessment results into meaningful daily care.
- Comfortable Environments: Guidance on shaping spaces that reduce stress and promote success, tailored to an individual’s preserved abilities.
- Communication Strategies: Ability-specific approaches—musical, kinesthetic, visual, verbal, and more—that make interactions clearer and more effective.
- Engaging Activities: Ready-to-use activity ideas that build on strengths, spark joy, and maintain dignity and connection.
Created for professionals across disciplines—nurses, therapists, social workers, activity specialists, and more—the Hub saves time, builds confidence, and equips you with proven tools to help people with dementia thrive.
Click on an ability to scroll directly to it:
Musical Ability
Musical ability is the strength of understanding, remembering, and enjoying music, rhythm, and sound.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as tapping to music, singing lyrics from memory, or relaxing when hearing favorite songs.
Comfortable Environment
- Background music — play soft or familiar tunes.
Example: Calming piano music in the evening. - Simple instruments — provide shakers or tambourines.
Example: A small drum on the side table. - Routine music — pair songs with daily tasks.
Example: A morning song to signal breakfast. - Sing-along spaces — arrange chairs for group singing.
Example: Gather in the living room with hymn sheets. - Rhythm prompts — create areas for clapping or tapping.
Example: Tap a spoon on the table in time with music.
Communication Strategies
- Sing directions — put instructions to a tune.
*Example: “Brush, brush, brush your teeth” to Row Your Boat. - Rhythmic cues — clap or tap while giving directions.
Example: Clap slowly and say, “Step, step, sit.” - Fill-in-the-song — pause to let them finish lyrics.
Example: “You are my sunshine, my only…” (pause). - Instrumental choices — assign instruments or sounds for yes/no answers.
Example: Drum beat = “yes,” bell chime = “no.”
- Humming prompts — hum familiar melodies as a cue instead of speaking.
Example: Hum “Happy Birthday” to remind them of a celebration.
Suitable Activities (20)
Listening
1. Listen to favorite songs — Ask, “Want to tap your hand with me while it plays?”
2. Play music from their youth — Encourage them to hum along.
3. Use nature sounds — Play bird songs and ask, “What does this sound like?”
4. Watch musical performances — Play a concert video on TV.
5. Match songs to moods — “This one feels happy, doesn’t it?”
Singing
6. Sing childhood songs — Lead with the first line, let them join in.
7. Karaoke with large-print lyrics — Highlight words they can follow.
8. Hymns or spiritual songs — Sing a familiar verse together.
9. Finish-the-lyrics — “Row, row, row your…” (pause).
10. Group sing-alongs — Hand out lyric sheets.
Rhythm & Movement
11. Clap to music — Start clapping slowly to the beat.
12. March in place — “Step, step, step” with rhythm.
13. Tap spoons together — Tap and let them copy.
14. Dance gently — Encourage swaying side to side.
15. Bounce a ball to music — Bounce once per beat.
Instruments
16. Shake maracas — Show them how to shake in rhythm.
17. Play a drum — Tap once and let them echo.
18. Use bells or chimes — Ring and invite them to try.
19. Xylophone play — Tap simple notes together.
20. Create a sound circle — Each person plays a simple sound in turn.
Bodily–Kinesthetic Ability
Bodily–Kinesthetic ability is the strength of learning and expressing through movement and touch.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as enjoying dancing, exercising, or responding well to hands-on guidance.
Comfortable Environment
- Safe spaces — keep areas free of clutter.
Example: A hallway with rugs removed. - Tactile objects — provide fabrics or stress balls.
Example: A basket of textured scarves. - Exercise areas — create a space for stretching.
Example: A sturdy chair for seated yoga. - Task stations — places to do chores.
Example: A table for folding towels. - Movement prompts — music or props.
Example: Play upbeat songs for dancing.
Communication Strategies
- Hand-over-hand guidance — gently lead through tasks.
Example: Guide hand to lift a spoon. - Demonstration — show instead of telling.
Example: Drink from a cup to cue them. - Gestures/miming — act out actions.
Example: Pretend to brush teeth. - Props — give real objects as prompts.
Example: Hand a comb to suggest grooming. - Movement routines — pair words with motions.
Example: Say “stretch up” while raising arms.
Suitable Activities (20)
Everyday Tasks
1. Fold laundry — Hand them towels and guide folding together.
2. Set the table — Give utensils and ask them to place each one.
3. Sweep with a broom — Offer a broom and ask them to sweep a small area.
4. Water plants — Provide a small watering can and point to the plant.
5. Stir ingredients — Hold a bowl and invite them to stir gently with a spoon.
Movement & Exercise
6. Gentle stretches — Lead by raising arms overhead and invite them to follow.
7. Chair yoga — Guide them to bend forward and reach toward their toes while seated.
8. Walk indoors or outdoors — Count steps together while walking side by side.
9. Balance practice — Have them hold a chair back while standing on one foot briefly.
10. Side steps to music — Play upbeat music and step side to side with them.
Playful Movement
11. Balloon toss — Gently toss a balloon and invite them to tap it back.
12. Beanbag toss — Place a bucket nearby and toss beanbags in together.
13. Parachute play — Hold opposite ends of a sheet and bounce a ball on top.
14. Gentle dancing — Play music and encourage swaying or simple steps.
15. Simon Says — Give movement prompts like “touch your nose” or “raise your hands.”
Hands-On Activities
16. Clay or playdough sculpting — Give them clay and suggest rolling or pressing shapes.
17. Build with blocks — Stack blocks together and see how tall you can go.
18. Sort tactile objects — Give smooth and rough items, ask them to group by texture.
19. Paint with large brushes — Offer paper and a wide brush to make simple strokes.
20. Sand a block of wood — Provide sandpaper and a block, encouraging back-and-forth motion.
Visual–Spatial Ability
Visual–Spatial ability is the strength of thinking in pictures, shapes, and colors.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as enjoying photos, drawing, puzzles, or using visual cues for orientation.
Comfortable Environment
- Photo displays — use family photos.
Example: A memory wall with labeled pictures. - Color cues — clear color-coded labels.
Example: Blue sign for bathroom door. - Art displays — hang bright images.
Example: Large scenic posters. - Lighting — ensure good visibility.
Example: A reading corner with a bright lamp. - Visual boards — calendars and charts.
Example: A large-print wall calendar with today’s date circled.
Communication Strategies
- Show photos — encourage description.
Example: Hold up a photo and ask, “What do you see?” - Drawings/sketches — illustrate ideas quickly.
Example: Draw a chair to mean “sit.” - Modeling actions — demonstrate steps visually instead of giving verbal directions.
Example: Pick up a spoon and take a bite yourself, then gesture for them to copy. - Visual schedules — show routines with pictures.
Example: Display breakfast → walk → nap on a chart. - Highlighting — mark important details visually.
Example: Highlight today’s date on the calendar.
Suitable Activities (20)
Visual Games
1. Jigsaw puzzles — Give a puzzle with bold, simple images and ask them to fit a piece.
2. Matching picture cards — Lay out cards and ask them to match identical pictures.
3. Spot-the-difference — Show two similar pictures and ask, “What’s different?”
4. Dominoes with images — Invite them to match dominoes with the same picture.
5. Visual bingo — Play using picture-based bingo cards.
Art & Drawing
6. Coloring pages — Offer crayons or markers and encourage coloring simple designs.
7. Watercolor painting — Provide a brush and watercolors to paint free-form.
8. Doodling with markers — Encourage free drawing on blank paper.
9. Clay modeling with shapes — Shape balls, cubes, or snakes from clay together.
10. Collage making — Give magazines to cut pictures and glue them to paper.
Photo/Memory Work
11. Label family photos — Place sticky notes under photos and ask them to write or dictate names.
12. Scrapbook building — Assemble a scrapbook with photos and captions.
13. Photo sorting — Sort family photos into groups (childhood, adulthood).
14. Storytelling from photos — Show a photo and ask, “What was happening here?”
15. Memory matching game — Use personal photos to create a simple memory game.
Orientation Tools
16. Read a map together — Point to locations and trace routes with a finger.
17. Use a large-print calendar — Ask them to point out today’s date.
18. Make a daily routine chart — Place picture cards for morning, afternoon, and evening tasks.
19. Play with building blocks — Stack and arrange blocks into towers or shapes.
20. Arrange objects by color — Sort household items into groups by color.
Logical–Mathematical Ability
Logical–Mathematical ability is the strength of noticing patterns, working with numbers, and solving problems step by step.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as enjoying sorting objects by color or size, counting items, matching shapes, or following a short sequence of steps in order.
Comfortable Environment
- Clear routines — post a step-by-step morning schedule.
Example: “1. Brush teeth, 2. Eat breakfast, 3. Take a walk.” - Sorting stations — provide items to group by color or size.
Example: Colored buttons in small bowls to sort. - Number cues — display clocks, calendars, or number charts.
Example: A large wall calendar with today’s date circled. - Puzzles and games — keep problem-solving tools nearby.
Example: A jigsaw puzzle on the coffee table. - Organized spaces — use labeled bins or shelves.
Example: A basket labeled “Socks” for easy sorting.
Communication Strategies
- Step-by-step instructions — break tasks into ordered steps.
Example: “First wash your hands, then sit down, then eat.” - Numbered choices — present options with numbers to simplify decisions.
Example: “Hold up one finger if you’d like tea, or two fingers if you’d like coffee.” - Sequencing cards — use numbered or ordered visuals to show what comes next.
Example: Show cards labeled 1 (toothbrush), 2 (pajamas), 3 (bed). - Structured questioning — ask questions that have a logical or patterned answer.
Example: “Which comes first — socks or shoes?” - Cause-and-effect language — communicate by explaining outcomes.
Example: “If you put on your shoes, then we can go for a walk.”
Suitable Activities (20)
Counting & Numbers
1. Counting objects — Give a pile of buttons and count them together aloud.
2. Simple addition with objects — Place 2 apples, add 1 more, and ask, “How many now?”
3. Number matching — Match cards with numbers to cards with the same number of dots.
4. Calendar counting — Point to today’s date and count the days until Sunday.
5. Clock reading — Ask, “Where is the big hand pointing? That means it’s ___ o’clock.”
Sorting & Organizing
6. Color sorting — Separate red and blue buttons into different bowls.
7. Size sorting — Place large and small cups into two piles.
8. Shape matching — Match circles, squares, and triangles to identical cutouts.
9. Laundry sorting — Put socks in one pile and shirts in another.
10. Utensil sorting — Place spoons in one section of the drawer and forks in another.
Patterns & Sequencing
11. Pattern replication — Copy a red-blue-red-blue bead pattern.
12. Sequencing steps — Arrange cards showing “brush teeth → rinse → dry” in order.
13. Clap patterns — Clap twice, then once, and ask them to repeat.
14. Arrange by number — Line up number cards from 1 to 10.
15. Daily routine order — Put picture cards in order: breakfast → walk → nap.
Games & Puzzles
16. Domino matching — Match dominoes with the same number of dots.
17. Dice rolling — Roll a die and count the dots aloud together.
18. Card sorting — Separate hearts from spades in a deck of cards.
19. Simple Sudoku (with help) — Fill in missing numbers in a 4×4 beginner puzzle.
20. Jigsaw puzzle — Find a piece with a blue edge to fit into the sky section.
Naturalistic Ability
Naturalistic ability is the strength of recognizing and connecting with nature, animals, and the environment.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as enjoying time outdoors, noticing birds or flowers, or finding comfort in natural objects like seashells, leaves, or stones.
Comfortable Environment
- Outdoor access — provide safe, easy entry to gardens, patios, or porches.
Example: A rocking chair on a sunny porch. - Indoor plants — decorate with greenery.
Example: A fern or potted flower on the windowsill. - Natural light — use windows and skylights.
Example: Open curtains during the day for sunlight. - Nature décor — add shells, rocks, or wood objects.
Example: A bowl of pinecones on the coffee table. - Seasonal displays — rotate items by season.
Example: Pumpkins in fall, flowers in spring.
Communication Strategies
- Nature objects — use plants, shells, or stones as prompts.
Example: Hand them a flower and ask, “What color is this?” - Outdoor pointing — gesture at trees, clouds, or birds.
Example: Point to the sky and say, “Look at the clouds today.” - Animal interaction — use pets or therapy animals to spark talk.
Example: Ask, “Can you pet the dog?” - Seasonal prompts — tie communication to weather/time of year.
Example: Show a leaf and say, “Fall is here.” - Nature sounds — use recordings of birds, rain, or waves.
Example: Play birdsong and ask, “Does this sound familiar?”
Suitable Activities (20)
Outdoors
1. Nature walk — Walk outside together and point out flowers or trees.
2. Birdwatching — Sit outdoors with binoculars and count birds together.
3. Cloud watching — Lie back or sit and ask, “What shape do you see?”
4. Leaf collecting — Gather colorful leaves into a basket.
5. Sit in the sun — Relax on a bench and enjoy natural warmth.
Natural Objects
6. Shell sorting — Group seashells by size or shape.
7. Rock arranging — Line up smooth stones in a row.
8. Flower arranging — Place fresh flowers in a vase together.
9. Seed sorting — Sort different seeds into small containers.
10. Touch-and-feel basket — Explore pinecones, feathers, or bark by touch.
Seasonal Activities
11. Pumpkin decorating — Paint or place stickers on a pumpkin.
12. Holiday nature crafts — Make a wreath with leaves or twigs.
13. Snow play (real or artificial) — Scoop and mold snow, or use cotton balls indoors.
14. Spring planting — Place seeds or bulbs into soil together.
15. Summer picnic — Have a snack outdoors on a blanket.
Animals & Pets
16. Petting a dog or cat — Encourage gentle touch and conversation about the animal.
17. Feeding fish — Sprinkle fish food into an aquarium.
18. Bird feeder care — Help fill a feeder and hang it outside.
19. Watching animal videos — Play nature documentaries with birds or wildlife.
20. Visiting a therapy animal — Spend time with a visiting dog or rabbit.
Linguistic–Verbal Ability
Linguistic–Verbal ability is the strength of using and understanding words through speaking, listening, reading, or writing.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as enjoying conversation, finishing lines of familiar poems, or still liking word games.
Comfortable Environment
- Books and reading areas — keep large-print books or magazines within reach.
Example: A recliner next to a basket of favorite storybooks. - Quiet conversation spaces — arrange chairs to encourage one-on-one talks.
Example: Two chairs facing each other near a window. - Writing tools handy — place whiteboards, notebooks, or sticky notes around.
Example: A small desk with a notebook and pen. - Familiar quotes or sayings — display favorite poems or mottos.
Example: A framed picture with a family motto or a Bible verse. - Storytelling areas — provide group spaces for reading aloud or sharing.
Example: A family room where someone can read to others.
Communication Strategies
- Written schedules — use simple visuals and large text to guide daily activities.
Example: Point to “Lunch” on the schedule and say, “It’s time to eat now.” - Written prompts — use whiteboards or sticky notes to reinforce words.
Example: Write “It’s time for lunch” instead of repeating verbally. - Word games — play simple fill-in-the-blank or rhyming games.
Example: “Roses are red, violets are ___.” - Familiar sayings — use proverbs or common phrases.
Example: “An apple a day keeps the doctor…” (pause for them to complete). - Repetition with variety — restate ideas using slightly different words.
Example: “It’s chilly outside. You’ll need a coat. Let’s put on your jacket.”
Suitable Activities (20)
Reading & Listening
1. Read-aloud stories — Read a short story aloud and pause to ask, “What do you think happens next?”
2. Poetry recital — Read the first line of a familiar poem and let them finish.
3. Daily news sharing — Read a newspaper headline and ask, “What do you think about that?”
4. Audiobooks or recordings — Play a short audiobook and ask afterward, “Did you enjoy what you heard?”
5. Story time together — Look at a book together and ask, “What’s happening in this picture?”
Speaking & Conversation
6. Storytelling — Ask, “Can you tell me about yourself?”
7. Proverbs & sayings — Say, “Better late than…” and let them finish.
8. Reminiscence conversations — Show a family photo and ask, “Who is this?”
9. Show & tell — Hand them an object and ask, “What does this remind you of?”
10. Conversation starters — Ask, “What is your favorite food?”
Writing & Expression
11. Journaling — Provide a notebook and encourage, “Write or draw how you feel today.”
12. Lists — Say, “Let’s write your three favorite foods together.”
13. Labeling photos — Give sticky notes and ask them to write names for family pictures.
14. Letter writing — Say, “Let’s write a note to your someone.”
15. Sentence starters — Write, “Today I feel…” and invite them to finish.
Word Play
16. Rhyming words — Ask, “What rhymes with cat?”
17. Fill-in-the-blank — Say, “Twinkle, twinkle, little ___.”
18. Simple crosswords — Give a clue like, “Three letters, a pet that barks.”
19. Alphabet game — Say, “Let’s name things that start with B.”
20. Guess the word — Say, “It’s round, red, and grows on trees — what is it?”
Intrapersonal Ability
Intrapersonal ability is the strength of self-awareness — understanding one’s own thoughts, feelings, and preferences.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as needing quiet time, enjoying one-on-one talks, or expressing themselves through journaling, drawing, or personal reflection.
Comfortable Environment
- Quiet areas — provide a peaceful nook for reflection.
Example: A cozy armchair in a low-traffic room. - Personal items — keep familiar belongings nearby.
Example: A memory box with photos or keepsakes. - Journaling space — provide paper, pens, or sketchpads.
Example: A small desk with notebooks ready to use. - Private time — balance group activities with alone time.
Example: Schedule a half-hour break after social events. - Calming décor — use soft lighting and soothing colors.
Example: A lamp with a warm bulb and muted wall colors.
Communication Strategies
- Sentence starters — prompt reflection with simple beginnings.
Example: Say, “I feel…” and wait for them to finish. - One-on-one talks — use calm, private conversations.
Example: Sit together quietly and ask gentle questions. - Choice-making — let them choose between personal options.
Example: “Would you like quiet time or a walk?” - Journaling/writing — encourage writing or drawing.
Example: Say, “Write or sketch how you’re feeling today.” - Memory boxes — use personal items to spark expression.
Example: Hand them a keepsake and ask, “What does this remind you of?”
Suitable Activities (20)
Reflection
1. Quiet sitting — Sit in silence together and allow them to relax.
2. Guided meditation — Lead deep breaths: “Inhale slowly, exhale slowly.”
3. Prayer time — Encourage reciting short, familiar prayers.
4. Listening to calming music — Play soft instrumental music and ask how it makes them feel.
5. Watching nature — Sit near a window and quietly observe the outdoors.
Journaling & Expression
6. Daily journaling — Invite them to write or draw feelings in a notebook.
7. Sentence completion — Write “I like…” and let them finish.
8. Mood doodles — Give markers to draw shapes that show feelings.
9. Life story writing — Ask them to write a memory.
10. Poem or song writing — Encourage making up a short verse.
Personal Choices
11. Choosing outfits — Lay out two clothing options and ask them to pick.
12. Meal preferences — Ask, “Do you want soup or a sandwich?”
13. Activity decisions — Say, “Would you like to read or listen to music?”
14. Daily routine input — Let them decide when to do a favorite activity.
15. Selecting relaxation tools — Offer a blanket or pillow and ask which they’d like.
Memory Work
16. Memory box exploration — Invite them to look through keepsakes and share thoughts.
17. Photo reflection — Show a personal photo and ask, “How were you feeling that day?”
18. Life timeline — Lay out cards with life events to put in order.
19. Personal playlist — Create a list of songs they enjoy and listen together.
20. Legacy storytelling — Record them sharing a meaningful memory or lesson.
Interpersonal Ability
Interpersonal ability is the strength of understanding and connecting with other people.
For someone with dementia, this might show up as enjoying group activities, responding well to friendly faces, or wanting to help or teach others.
Comfortable Environment
- Social seating — arrange chairs in circles or pairs to encourage conversation.
Example: A round table for coffee and chatting. - Group activity areas — provide spaces for games or crafts.
Example: A dining table set up for Bingo. - Shared meals — create welcoming, family-style dining.
Example: A kitchen table with space for everyone. - Helper roles — give opportunities to participate.
Example: Handing out napkins before dinner. - Welcoming atmosphere — make communal spaces cozy and inviting.
Example: A living room with comfortable couches for gatherings.
Communication Strategies
- Face-to-face contact — use eye contact and facial expressions.
Example: Sit at their level and smile warmly while talking. - Role play — act out familiar social roles.
Example: Pretend to order food, let them be the cashier. - Group support — encourage small group discussions.
Example: Ask a question and let everyone share their thoughts. - Helper roles — invite them to assist with small tasks.
Example: Say, “Can you hand out the cups?” - Mirroring — reflect their tone or gestures.
Example: If they wave, wave back and say, “Hello!”
Suitable Activities (20)
Group Games
1. Bingo — Play with large-print cards and call out numbers together.
2. Question cards — Ask simple, fun questions in a group setting.
3. Charades — Act out simple activities and let others guess.
4. Board games — Play easy games like Checkers or Connect Four.
5. Group card games — Play matching games or “Go Fish.”
Shared Activities
6. Cooking together — Assign small tasks like stirring or setting ingredients out.
7. Gardening as a group — Work side by side planting or watering.
8. Craft projects — Make group collages or simple decorations.
9. Cleaning together — Fold laundry or tidy a table as a team.
10. Music circles — Sing or play instruments together.
Conversation Circles
11. Reminiscence groups — Share stories about childhood or favorite holidays.
12. Storytelling rounds — Each person adds one sentence to a story.
13. Current events chat — Discuss light news stories or community happenings.
14. Photo sharing — Look at a group of photos and talk about them together.
15. Compliment circle — Encourage each person to say something kind to another.
Helper Roles
16. Distribute snacks — Ask them to hand out fruit or cookies to the group.
17. Pass out supplies — Invite them to give out crayons, paper, or Bingo cards.
18. Greeter role — Ask them to welcome others as they arrive.
19. Partner buddy — Pair them with someone else to complete a task together.
20. Teaching role — Encourage them to explain or demonstrate a familiar skill.
