Finding meaning and connection in small moments can go a long way toward making the journey through memory loss a little less painful.
If you're looking for a meaningful activity to do with someone who has memory loss, then take a trip down memory lane while putting ornaments on the tree. Talk about Christmases past and see what memories are sparked by seeing certain ornaments. Pro Tip: People with dementia often lose their short-term memory while long-term memory stays intact. Reminiscing about things from the past is a good way to maintain connections.
If you're looking for a meaningful activity to do with someone who has dementia, then visit the Enchanted Forest at the Pink Palace! The event runs from November 15- December 28 and the cost is only $6 for seniors. Pro Tip: Go during the day before school lets out for the holidays when there will be smaller crowds.
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be with family and eat delicious food, but it can also be a source of stress for someone who has dementia. Unfamiliar faces, abnormal routines, lots of noise, and rich foods can all wreak havoc. Try to keep gatherings small; you may need to celebrate with a few on one day and others on another day. Try to stick to your loved one's routine as much as possible. Pro Tip: If there are people who have not seen your loved one in a while, remind them that he/she may not recognize them and that they should reintroduce themselves.
