Five ways to celebrate Mother’s Day with someone who has Alzheimer’s
COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) — According to the National Institutes of Health, women account for two-thirds of of all Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease. Because of how many women are touched by this disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has come up with some special ways to spend Mother’s Day with the women you love.
“Mother’s Day is all about honoring the mother figures in our lives who loved, nurtured, and supported us,” said Jennifer Reeder, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. ““Making a few minor adaptations can help celebrate the bond you share with your loved one in a dementia-friendly manner.”
1. Make your own Mother’s Day Card
Making a card and reading it to your loved one is great way to feel more connected. Even if they can no longer grasp the full meaning, the act of writing and sharing it can uplift your spirits and those of your loved one.
2. Reminisce together
According to the AFA, looking at old photos and familiar faces can bring a sense of joy and comfort to someone living with Alzheimer’s even if they can’t remember the people’s names.
Talk about who the people in the pictures are and what the occasion was when the picture was taken. Avoid asking questions about what they remember as this can be embarrassing for someone living with a memory disorder.
Be patient and attentive when listening to your loved one talk about what they remember. Validate their feelings and experiences, even if they don’t align with reality. This validation reinforces the feeling of being heard and understood.
3. Adapt old favorites
Dementia-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s ability to do things they previous did. It is important to be patient and flexible when participating in these activities.
Break down the activities into more manageable steps. For example: If your loved one enjoyed cooking focus on tasks like mixing ingredients, instead of following a meticulous recipe.
4. Flowers are always a classic
A Mother’s Day classic, the AFA says the smell of flowers can beneficial for people living with a memory disorder. The scent of the flowers can improve mood, promote a positive feeling, and stimulate the brain.
5. Create new memories
Quality time is the best and cheapest gift a mother can receive. Plan activities that focus on the strengths of the person and are centered around what they can and choose to do.
Much like the approach to adapting old favorites, focus on things that are pleasurable and let go of the parts causing stress.
For more information about Alzheimer’s and dementia visit columbusmemorycenter.com.
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