5 tips for creating special Mother’s Day for someone who has dementia, Alzheimer’s disease

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Alzheimer's Foundation of America has provided five tips to help families, friends and partners to create a special Mother's Day for those living with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia.

According to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, people should use the following tips to celebrate Mother's Day on Sunday, May 11, with someone who is living with dementia:

Reminisce together

Familiar faces and old photos can reportedly bring joy and comfort to someone living with dementia.

Look at old photos together and talk about them with your loved one as you go through them, asking questions about who the people are, what the occasion was and where it took place and avoid asking questions like, “do you remember?”

"Be patient and attentive when listening to your loved one’s stories and memories. Validate their feelings and experiences, even if they don't align with reality. This validation reinforces feelings of connection," said the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in a press release.

Make new memories

The foundation said when planning activities, people should take a strengths-based and person-centered approach, incorporating what the person can do and what they choose to do now, rather than dwelling on past abilities. Focus on those things that bring joy, comfort and involvement.

Adapt old favorites

Dementia-related illnesses can affect a person’s ability to do things as they once did, so it’s important to be adaptable, according to the foundation.

If the person loved going to a certain restaurant but can no longer manage eating out, order food from that establishment instead.

Give flowers

Flowers are a staple gift for Mother’s Day, and the Alzheimer's Foundation of America said it can be good for someone living with dementia.

According to the foundation, the flowers' fragrance can help improve mood, promote positive feelings and stimulate the brain.

Make your own Mother's Day card

Write a Mother’s Day card and read it out loud to your loved one. The Alzheimer's Foundation said even if they can no longer grasp the full meaning, it will be meaningful in an individual way to them, and the act of writing it and communicating with your loved one can also lift your spirits.