Unique shaped 13-piece Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a fun cognitive task, but they’re not always easy with dementia. Our 13 Piece Jigsaws are designed for people who have loved jigsaw puzzles in the past, but now find 24 pieces a struggle. 

The large, irregular shaped pieces, along with the background guide, give people plenty of support, so they can work as independently as possible. This in turn creates a greater sense of achievement on completion.

The lovely images can then lead onto a reminiscence activity, either using the questions inside the box or making up ones of your own.

You'll need

1. A selection of 13 Piece Jigsaws

The Activity

1. Encourage the person to choose from a selection of three or four puzzles
2. Sit them at a clear table or in their armchair, if they prefer, so they can do the puzzle inside the box on a tray
3. Arrange the puzzle pieces evenly around the box
4. Explain that they’re going to recreate the image inside the lid of the box
5. Encourage them to take one puzzle piece and think about where it should go
6. Remind them that the outlines on the background can guide them, if they need help
7. Suggest where a piece might go if they appear to be stuck
8. Praise them when they put a piece in the right place or make progress
9. Keep going until the puzzle is complete
10. Allow the person time to admire and feel good about finishing their puzzle
11. Spark a conversation about the puzzle using the questions on the inside of the box or come up with your own

Top tip

Some of the puzzle themes can lead nicely onto another activity. For example, if someone loved the In the Kitchen Puzzle because it brought back memories of cooking with mum, why not bake some fairy cakes afterwards to reminisce some more?