Celebrating Mother's Day with Dementia: Caregiver Tips

Dementia is a progressive brain disorder that can cause problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It can be difficult to know how to interact with a loved one with dementia, especially during a social gathering like Mother's Day. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of the day:

5 Tips for Interacting with Your Loved One with Dementia on Mother's Day

Communicate with your loved one with dementia to understand their expectations for the day. Be patient, focus on the positive, and encourage them to participate in activities.

• Talk to your loved one about their expectations for the day. What do they want to do? Who do they want to see? Knowing their wishes will help you plan a day that is enjoyable for everyone.

• Be patient and understanding. Dementia can make it difficult for people to communicate and remember things. Be patient with your loved one and don't get frustrated if they forget things or repeat themselves.

• Focus on the positive. Dementia can take away a lot of things, but it doesn't have to take away the joy of spending time with loved ones. Focus on the positive aspects of your loved one's personality and celebrate their strengths. Remember to live in the moment. 

• Talk to them about their interests. People with dementia often have strong memories of their past, so talking about their favorite things can help them feel connected to the present. Ask them about their hobbies, family, and friends.

• Encourage them to participate in activities. People with dementia can still enjoy social gatherings, even if they don't remember everyone or everything that's going on. Encourage, but don’t force, them to join in on activities, such as singing, dancing, or playing games.

4 Things to Avoid when Interacting with Your Loved One with Dementia

Be respectful of your loved one's feelings and abilities. Don't argue with them, force them to do things they don't want to do, or compare them to their former self. Also, don't talk about them in front of them as if they're not there.

• Don't argue with your loved one. If they say something that is incorrect, don't argue with them. It will only frustrate them and make them feel like they are not being heard. Instead, try to redirect their attention or change the subject.

• Don't force your loved one to do things they don't want to do. If they don't want to go to a certain event or participate in a certain activity, don't force them. Respect their wishes and let them make their own decisions.

• Don't compare your loved one to their former self. Dementia is a progressive disease, and it is normal for people with dementia to change over time. Don't compare them to how they used to be, just accept them for who they are today.

• Don't talk about them in front of them as if they're not there. It can be hurtful for someone with dementia to overhear others talking about them as if they're not there. Instead, address them directly if appropriate. 

Additional Tips for Caring for Someone with Dementia during Mother’s Day

In addition to the tips above for caring for someone with dementia, here are a few specific things you can do to make their life easier and more comfortable. Discuss and share these tips with other family members and friends who will be in attendance at any Mother’s Day gathering.  Here are a few additional tips.

• Keep the environment calm and familiar. Avoid large crowds and noisy environments, which can be overwhelming for people with dementia.

• Use simple language and avoid jargon. People with dementia may have difficulty understanding complex language. Speak slowly.

• Don’t cross talk. Don’t have multiple people talking to your loved one at one time. It will be overwhelming and upsetting.

• Repeat yourself often. People with dementia may forget things quickly, so it is helpful to repeat yourself often.

• Be patient and understanding. 

• Focus on the positive.

Following these tips can help you make the most of Mother's Day with your loved one with dementia. By being patient, understanding, and positive, you can create a day that is enjoyable for everyone. Live in the moment and be happy for any and all good moments.