Meaningful Ways to Show Love to Someone with Dementia

Valentine’s Day is a time for celebrating love and relationships! While dementia may change how we express and receive affection, the desire for connection remains. Below are recommendations from our Avalon Memory Care team on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your loved one experiencing memory loss.

Start with Simple Gestures:

Dementia can affect memory and cognitive abilities, but it doesn’t diminish the need for love and belonging. Simple gestures help your loved one know how much you care. As you consider your Valentine’s Day plans, keep the following in mind:

Engage the Senses: Think vibrant colors, familiar scents, and comforting textures. These sensory experiences can evoke positive emotions and create a sense of joy.
Keep it Simple: Activities that are easy to follow and understand can reduce frustration and increase engagement for someone with dementia.
Build Connection: Shared experiences, expressions of affection, and quality time together nurture your connection and provide a sense of comfort and security.

Create a Day Filled with Love:

A Sweet Start: Begin your Valentine’s Day with a batch of heart-shaped pancakes. Cooking together can be a fun and therapeutic activity. Don’t forget to add all the colorful toppings! Strawberries, raspberries, chocolate chips, and whipped cream make it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.

Make Festive Cards: Gather construction paper, markers, stickers, and other craft supplies to design Valentine’s Day cards together. This activity encourages creativity and self-expression. Help your loved one sign their name and send the cards to family and friends, fostering a sense of purpose and connection.

Relax and Rejuvenate: Pamper your loved one with an at-home spa day. Give a gentle hand massage with scented lotion, do their nails, play soothing music, and enjoy a warm cup of tea together. The physical touch and calming atmosphere can be incredibly soothing and relaxing.

Share Dinner: Whether you cook a special meal together or order in from their favorite restaurant, sharing a meal is a simple but powerful way to connect.

A Trip Down Memory Lane: Create a memory box filled with cherished photos, mementos, and trinkets that hold special meaning for your loved one. Spend time reminiscing and sharing stories from the past. This activity can spark conversations and memories.

Thoughtful Gifts from the Heart: Think about gifts they’ll love! A framed photo of all the grandchildren, a digital frame with multiple photos, a cozy blanket, or, of course, a beautiful bouquet of their favorite flowers or a box of delicious chocolates – anything that shows you’re thinking of them. You can’t go wrong with a simple and thoughtful gift!

Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to spend quality time together–no matter how you decide to fill the day! Even the smallest acts of kindness and love can make a big difference to your loved one! Happy Valentine’s Day from Avalon Memory Care!

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