Independence Day is often celebrated with festive foods, fireworks and noisy crowds. While it can make for a fun evening for many people, families who have a loved one with dementia living with them might feel otherwise. Crowds, noise and especially the unpredictability of fireworks can all be triggers for adults with a memory impairment. They can increase agitation and anxiety and possibly even result in attempts to wander from home.
So, what can you do to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday without putting a loved one with dementia at risk? Is it possible to host a dementia-friendly celebration at your home? The answer is yes. But it will require some thoughtful planning.
Celebrating Independence Day When a Loved One Has Dementia
- Choose the time of the party carefully
It’s fairly common for adults with dementia to have times of day that are better—or worse—for them. As you plan your Fourth of July gathering, be mindful of when your loved one is at their best. For many, agitation and anxiety peak in the evenings, as does a condition known as sundowning.
If your family member experiences any of these struggles, maybe plan your party for earlier in the day. You may need to be a little more creative, such as coming up with some outdoor activities that don’t include fireworks, but friends and family who know your situation will likely be understanding.
- Control the crowd size and noise
As you probably already know, noisy environments with a lot of people can be overwhelming for adults with dementia. Experts believe that’s because adults with memory impairments can’t process too much at one time, likely due to the damage to the brain caused by the disease.
By limiting the number of people you invite and spreading the party over a larger space (i.e., inside and outside), you might be able to create a calmer environment. Another suggestion is to have your family member stay indoors in a quiet place for part of the afternoon and have loved ones go in and spend one-on-one time with the senior.
- Plan the menu carefully
As you are putting together your menu for the day, remember to incorporate foods that are easy for an adult with dementia to eat independently. If your family member struggles with manipulating utensils, for example, have finger foods available. Not only might you get busy with hosting duties and not be able to assist your senior loved one at mealtime, but no one wants to be embarrassed by their struggle with dexterity. That includes an adult with dementia—as their disease robs them of many abilities, they may feel ashamed and sad. You can help reduce some of that by making sure to provide foods and hydrating beverages they can easily manage.
- Appoint a few helpers
When you are the host of a party, the demands on your time often seem never-ending. Someone always needs you for something. To ensure your loved one stays safe, ask a few people you know well for help.
Once you know who will be attending your gathering, enlist those your family member is most familiar with to watch to make sure the senior doesn’t become too agitated or attempt to wander. They can also help make sure the older adult is eating, drinking and feeling included.
Explore Memory Care Options at ASC
At American Senior Communities (ASC), families who have a loved one struggling with dementia will find many types of care, from short-term respite services to specialized care in an assisted living or skilled nursing setting. You’ll likely find a memory care solution that best fits your loved one’s needs. Call a community near you to learn more!
