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As Valentine’s Day approaches, questions are arising of how to celebrate with loved ones this year. For some, planning for this time of year gets harder and harder each year. Millions of couples will find themselves celebrating love in different ways than past Valentines days. Although memories may have been lost for those with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia, giving love this year can still be very effective and is very important for improving your loved one’s quality of life; no matter what stage of the disease that they are effected by. Hampton Manor would like to make planning for Valentine’s Day easier this year.
So what should you do to make this Valentine’s Day special for your loved one who struggles with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia? Valentine’s Day is a wonderful time of year to bring happiness and feelings of being loved to your loved ones that struggle with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia. Valentine’s Day has many traditional symbols that are carried through the years. Short-term memory is a struggle for those with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia but long term memories can be held on to far into their life. With Valentine’s Day being a yearly holiday, symbols associated with Valentine’s Day are placed in long term memory banks. This makes giving gifts with these symbols very likely to be understood and emotionally effective; even if it is not noticeable to you. Although they may forget what just happened or what is coming next, they don’t forget love. Even if they are in a later state, the feeling of love is most important. Everything can be forgotten but when a person has moments of joy, happiness and feelings of being loved, they continue their day carrying peace, which will remain long after the details have been forgotten.
This Valentine’s Day convert the old saying “it’s the thought that really counts,” to “it’s the love that really counts.” This year give love, hugs, and kisses. Make Valentine’s Day special by enjoying the time that you have together. You could create a memory scrap book together with photos, dance together to the best throw back songs that you can find, put a Valentine’s Day puzzle together, and the list goes on. Traditional valentines’ gifts like flowers and teddy bears are more effective and loving than you may think. A happy heart is the best Valentine’s Day gift that you can give to your loved one that struggles with Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia this year.
Hampton Manor offers assisted living and memory care communities across Florida, featuring personalized care, excellent amenities, and a vibrant, family-centered environment designed to support and enrich the lives of seniors.