How to Celebrate Mother's Day with a Parent with Dementia in Sun City Center
There's no doubt that Mother's Day is a special holiday; not only do you get to celebrate your mom, but you also get to spend quality time with her. Each year brings more treasured memories, so you always look forward to this holiday.
However, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 57 million people in the world have dementia, and women are disproportionately affected by it. Your own mother may have received a diagnosis recently, and this year, Mother's Day in Sun City Center, FL, will definitely be different.
It's still possible to celebrate with a parent with dementia though, but you'll need to have special considerations. Here's how you can have a thoughtful day with your mom.
Understand Your Mother's Current Abilities
Dementia isn't a static disease, and every patient will be in a different stage, which can affect their current abilities. So, before you start planning a dementia-friendly Mother's Day, assess your mother's state.
If she's in the early stage of dementia, then she may enjoy familiar activities, light conversation, and outings. As for the middle stage, you can do simplified activities and give her structured environments. For late-stage dementia, it's important to have comfort-based experiences, music, and sensory engagement.
It can be beneficial to consult with caregivers or healthcare providers if you're unsure of what Mom might tolerate or enjoy. Otherwise, here are some ways that you can plan Alzheimer's family activities for Mother's Day.
Plan a Calm, Familiar Routine
Routine and familiarity are extremely important for those with dementia. So while you want to celebrate Mom, you don't want to cause her distress either.
She'll probably feel safest in a structured and predictable environment. Celebrate at a time of day when she's most alert, which is often in the morning.
In addition, avoid overstimulation. You should limit noise, visitors, and busy environments.
When planning the food, make sure you stick to familiar dishes that Mom loves.
Take a Short, Peaceful Outing in Sun City Center
Can your mother leave her home safely? Then a short trip in the city can be fun for her. There are great options that are quiet and dementia-friendly.
One is the Little Manatee River State Park. It boasts the most pristine blackwater rivers in Southwest Florida, and it's ideal for a scenic drive or brief walk. You can even bring a picnic to enjoy in a shaded area.
There's also the Chambers of Commerce nature trails if Mom likes walking. There are paved paths and benches that'll make it easier if she has mobility issues. The calm setting out here is perfect for low-stimulation outdoor time, making it one of the best senior holiday ideas around!
Create a Personalized Memory Activity
Activities that tap into long-term memory can be soothing and rewarding for people with dementia. Personalized memory activities can be enjoyable for you too, making it a win-win for both of you.
One idea is to make a memory box. Include the following:
- Old family photos
- Costume jewelry
- A favorite scarf
- Trinkets from the past
You can talk about each item gently, and then let Mom hold and explore it.
You can also make a photo album or scrapbook. Large and labeled photos of family members and past holidays can be fun to look at, as you gently reminisce.
Celebrate With a Sensory Experience
Stimulating the senses can be good for dementia, but whatever you plan, ensure that they're calm and relaxing.
For example, you can give your mom spa-like comfort. Gently brush her hair, file her nails, or apply lotion with a light massage. You can also try calming lavender or rose-scented creams to have a fantastic olfactory experience.
If Mom's up for it, then you can cook or bake a simple recipe together, too. For instance, you can decorate sugar cookies or make banana bread. Let your mother smell, touch, and sample the ingredients, which can keep things safe and fun.
Bring the Celebration to Them
As your mother's progressed with dementia, you may have put her in a senior living community to stop her from driving. If this is the case, then memory care celebrations are in order.
Ask the staff if there are Mother's Day events that you can join. Before you visit, buy some flowers and a card, and frame a treasured photo to gift Mom.
If she doesn't like the hustle and bustle of local events for seniors, then consider a quiet, shared lunch in the community's garden. She'll appreciate the one-on-one time with you.
Give Thoughtful, Dementia-Friendly Gifts
We understand that you want to spoil Mom rotten on this special day, but you'll need to give extra thought to the presents you give her. In general, you should avoid complex gadgets or items with too many instructions, as these may frustrate her.
Instead, you can try:
- Soft blankets
- Shawls
- Plush stuffed animals
- Aromatherapy pillows
- Diffusers
- Large-print photo books
Focus on the Emotion, Not the Details
It's sad, but also possible that your mom won't even know it's Mother's Day. She may not recognize you in the moment either, which can make you emotional.
Try to look past this, though. Mom can still feel loved, calm, and joyful, so do your best to encourage this.
Be present, patient, and flexible. Refrain from correcting or reminding them, as all that matters is that they feel safe, loved, and seen.
Have a Good Mother's Day With Your Parent With Dementia
When you have a parent with dementia, it can be challenging to deal with holidays like Mother's Day. It'll probably look different than in the past years, but you can still make it deeply meaningful.
If you make an effort to be compassionate and caring, with an emphasis on emotional connection, then Mom's sure to have a peaceful and love-filled day where she'll feel honored to be your parent.
Get in touch with us now to learn more about assisted living in Sun City Center, FL. Aston Gardens at the Courtyard has six exclusive lifestyle programs that can meet every senior's wants and needs.