Seasonal 35-piece Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a fun cognitive task, but they’re not always easy when you’re living with dementia. Our 35 Piece Jigsaws are designed for people who have loved jigsaw puzzles in the past, but now find 63 pieces a struggle. 

The larger pieces help a person to complete the puzzle as independently as possible, which in turn creates a greater sense of achievement and pride.

The lovely images might even bring back memories, especially if the theme means something to them. You can also create a discussion using the questions inside the box or making up your own.

You will need

1. A selection of 35 Piece Jigsaws

The Activity

1. Encourage the person to choose a puzzle from a selection
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 puzzles pieces evenly around the box
4. Explain to the person that they’re going to recreate the image inside the lid of the box
5. Encourage them to take one piece of the puzzle and think about where it should go
6. It might be helpful to suggest that they begin with the corner pieces and then move to the edges, as these can guide where the rest of the pieces should go
7. Suggest where a piece might go if they appear to be stuck and remind them to look at the image
8. Praise them as the puzzle takes shape and when they get a piece in the right place
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 image using the questions on the inside of the box or make up your own

Top tip

Some of the puzzle themes could nicely lead onto another activity. For example, if someone liked the Autumn Market puzzle, you could go on to do the Harvest Vegetable Quiz.