Best Busy Boards for Dementia Patients: What to Look For

Have you ever seen someone light up just by sliding a zipper or turning a switch? That’s not just play—it’s therapy in action.

Busy boards, also called activity boards, are more than toys. For people living with dementia, they can offer meaningful engagement, reduce agitation, and even support brain function. When designed with care, these simple boards become powerful occupational therapy tools that promote independence and connection.

But not all busy boards are created equal. So, how do you choose the right one for your loved one?

Let’s explore.

🎧 Prefer to listen? Play our podcast episode below to learn how busy boards can support daily routines, reduce agitation, and bring calm during middle-stage dementia—making caregiving days smoother and more meaningful.

A busy board is a flat or cube-shaped board filled with everyday items like zippers, locks, buttons, latches, light switches, or textures. These objects invite the user to explore, manipulate, and engage using their hands and senses.

They're often seen in pediatric therapy, but for older adults with dementia, they serve a deeper purpose:

There are also versions designed to mount on walls (busy board for wall) or in 3D cube format (busy cube) for more interactive use.

🙌 Here is a short video showing how an Eagle Scout designed and delivered busy boards to memory care residents at Dominion Senior Living. This real story illustrates how these tools can promote attention, fine motor skills, and emotional well-being in care settings.

This experience reinforces the benefits we describe: well-designed busy boards can keep people with dementia active, emotionally connected, and engaged—especially when tailored to their abilities and sense of autonomy.

Science backs this up: Recent studies show that structured cognitive stimulation activities—like those encouraged by busy boards—can improve cognitive performance, mood, and quality of life in individuals with mild to moderate dementia. A study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health highlights how these non-pharmacological interventions are effective and well-tolerated in care settings. You can read it here.

Engaging the hands engages the brain.

For someone with dementia, especially in the middle to late stages, repetitive sensory and motor activities can:

Busy boards support occupational therapy goals by encouraging participation in meaningful tasks that reduce apathy and confusion. Plus, they’re enjoyable—something that shouldn't be underestimated in dementia care.

Additionally, a professional care provider such as Waterloo Care Home describes how dementia activity boards—equipped with familiar items like switches, locks, remotes, and textured fabrics—offer cognitive, sensory, and emotional benefits in real-world care settings. Their perspective underscores the importance of thoughtful design and meaningful interaction in reducing agitation and fostering autonomy in residents. You can read it here.

Not sure which board to pick? Here’s what to consider:

Each stage comes with different needs and abilities. If you're unsure about your loved one's current stage, refer to our Dementia Stages Chart for a simple visual guide.

Busy boards are often marketed as toys for people with dementia, but safety is never a game.

Boards that offer sensory variety are more engaging. Look for elements that:

These sensory wall boards are especially calming and can help reduce restlessness or agitation.

Not at all. While many busy boards were first made for children, adult versions have been thoughtfully adapted. The best activity boards for seniors are age-appropriate in both design and purpose—respecting dignity while still offering cognitive and emotional benefits.

Have you used a busy board with your loved one living with dementia? What features worked best, and what challenges did you face? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below—your experience might inspire or support another caregiver on the same path.