5 Mother’s Day Dementia Tips

MOTHER’S DAY USA

Mother’s Day is Sunday. It can remain a meaningful and enjoyable occasion for families impacted by Alzheimer’s. Planning will take more thought and each family’s unique circumstances will need to be taken into consideration. These Alzheimer’s Association tips can help:

• Take a person-centered approach. Focus on what is enjoyable for the person with Alzheimer’s, such as looking at family pictures or enjoying the person’s favorite food. If they get overwhelmed in large groups, a small quiet gathering may be preferable.
• Keep it simple. Consider a celebration over a lunch or brunch at home or where the person is most comfortable. Ask family or friends to bring dishes for a potluck meal or have food delivered by a local restaurant or grocery store.
• Join In. If the person with Alzheimer’s lives in a care facility, consider joining in any facility-planned activities.
• Don’t overdo it. Sticking to the person’s normal routine will help keep the day from becoming disruptive or confusing. Depending on the person’s stamina, plan time for breaks so the person can rest in a quiet area away from noise and crowds.
• Adapt gift-giving. Encourage safe and useful gifts for the person with Alzheimer’s. Diminishing capacity may make some gifts unusable or even dangerous to a person with dementia. If someone asks for gift ideas, suggest items the person with dementia needs or can easily enjoy. Ideas include: an identification bracelet, comfortable clothing, favorite foods and photo albums.