People with dementia can easily become overwhelmed or agitated, especially when something diverges from their normal routine. Keeping celebrations small can minimize those feelings, but the size of the guest list should depend largely on your loved one and what you think they can handle. You might also plan a few smaller events spaced out well if you have a lot of people who want to celebrate with them.
The location can also factor into how well your loved one handles celebrations. Choose a quiet, comfortable, familiar venue for the party. Hosting the party at your home can help them feel at ease. It can also be easier for your loved one to retreat to another room if the event becomes too stimulating. Consider the travel distance to the venue as well. A long car ride to get there can wear out your loved one before the celebration starts, so choose a location that's close to Bethesda Gardens Thornton to minimize travel time.
Consider the timing to help your loved one enjoy the celebration more. People with dementia might have different times of day when they're most at ease. Pick a time of day when they're usually calm, happy and agreeable. This often makes the party easier for them to handle. Keeping the party short or being flexible with when you end the festivities can also help.
When celebrating with a loved one who has dementia, it's important to include them in the celebration rather than just celebrating around them. Find an activity they can do as part of the celebration, and consider their cognitive and physical limitations when planning the celebratory activity. Simple activities, such as an easy craft project or game, are often best. Look for something your loved one enjoys doing to help engage them in the events of the day.
Dementia can affect a person's eating skills and habits. It can be difficult to get someone with dementia to eat, and they might also struggle to use silverware or have trouble feeding themselves. Plan foods that your loved one can enjoy and eat on their own if possible. This will allow them to participate like everyone else and maintain their dignity. Finger foods often work well because they don't require any utensils. Serving one or two items at a time instead of having your loved one choose from a large buffet of foods can also make the process easier. A full plate with lots of different foods on it can be overwhelming.
Your loved one might not remember everything, but you can still incorporate reminiscing into the party. Create a slideshow or print pictures to make a photo display. You can also ask guests to share their stories about your loved one or previous celebrations. For instance, if you're celebrating a holiday, everyone might share their funny or sentimental memories of that holiday in years past. Another option is asking everyone to bring a photo, letter or keepsake to share at the party.
Including your family traditions related to the specific celebration is also meaningful. It's sometimes tempting to skip those traditions if your loved one doesn't remember them. However, they could spark some memories, and they also offer a sentimental experience for other guests who know and love the traditions. Even if your loved one doesn't remember past experiences of the traditions, they can still enjoy them in the present.
Some guests might not know how to interact with someone who has dementia. They might feel uncomfortable or be unsure of what to say. You can include some helpful tips in the invitations to prepare them for their interactions. For instance, you might recommend that they introduce themselves with their names and how they know your loved one. The tips can vary based on your loved one's individual needs and behaviors, and you can also be there to facilitate conversations if a guest isn't sure what to say.
Planning a celebration takes time and effort, so you don't want to cut things short. But it's also important to be flexible if your loved one needs to make an early exit. Tune in to your loved one's nonverbal cues to notice if they need a break. If you're busy with hosting duties, ask someone else who's familiar with your loved one to be responsible for keeping an eye on them. In some cases, a short break might help. Other times, the person with dementia might need to leave the celebration and go back to their normal, familiar routine.
