According to the journal Alzheimer’s & Dementia, it’s estimated that 6.9 million Americans 65 and older live with Alzheimer’s dementia, which means that millions more are impacted by this disease. It can be challenging to see your loved one living a cloudy life, but it’s your mother, and you’re there for her no matter what.
This Mother’s Day might be a bittersweet one, especially if she’s only recently received her diagnosis. But the good news is that there are definitely activities for seniors with dementia you can do in Summerville, SC. Here’s a list of dementia-friendly events for Mother’s Day in Summerville you can consider.
Host a Sensory-Friendly Garden Picnic
One of the best Alzheimer’s celebrations for Mom can be a sensory-friendly garden picnic. This takes the pressure off of being in a public space, and everyone can enjoy Summerville’s springtime beauty, as it’ll give a calm sensory experience.
You can set up a shaded seating area in your backyard or a local park like Azalea Park, which is known for its tranquil walking paths and beautiful blooms. Whichever area you pick, bring soft blankets to put on the ground. To decorate your garden picnic, set down flowers in vases.
For the sensory part, play calming background music, such as soft jazz, gospel, or classic oldies. Other things to include are:
- Lavender sachets
- Soft-textured pillows
- Feather fans
And don’t forget about the main part: food! Have a nice spread of Mom’s favorite snacks or finger foods while having quality family time with aging parents.
Visit a Local Tea Room
Another way to have a low-key celebration is to treat mom to a formal tea at a place like Camellia’s Tea Room. It’s an elegant yet relaxed experience, and you and Mom can come in your best dresses.
While at the tea room, you can enjoy a selection of herbal teas and small bites. Many cater to dietary needs, so if you or your mother needs some accommodations, let them know ahead of time.
When conversing with your mom, keep things light and positive. It can be beneficial to bring some old photos or a memory book to encourage reminiscing.
Create a Personalized Memory Box
Speaking of memories, a wonderful way to tie in everything is to create a personalized memory box together. The tactile and visual objects may help stimulate Mom’s memory and communication.
To start, grab a simple box and bring stickers, ribbons, or wrapping paper. You can use these things to decorate the outside of the box.
Then, open it up and fill it with things like:
- Photos of family members and past trips
- Fabric swatches from favorite clothes
- Old greeting cards
- Small trinkets from earlier life experiences (i.e., a locket, recipe card, souvenir, etc.)
As you place each object inside, talk about it. You’d be surprised at what comfort and connection your mother will feel.
Engage in a Flower Arranging Activity
If your mom’s dementia has progressed enough that she needs to be in memory care, then you’ll want to be mindful of what you choose to do on Mother’s Day. One of the memory care activities we’d like to suggest is flower arranging. This activity encourages creativity, plus it helps exercise Mom’s fine motor skills while providing a soothing routine.
Before visiting her at the memory care community, pick up fresh or faux flowers from a local florist or farmer’s market, as well as vases, mason jars, ribbons, and name tags.
While putting together your custom arrangements, let Mom choose the colors and textures. This will give you a feel for what she likes.
Enjoy a Musical Stroll at Hutchinson Square
Did your mom spend much of her time in Downtown Summerville? Then she may be familiar with Hutchinson Square.
This Mother’s Day, make a stop here with her to walk around. Being in a known area can bring her joy and reduce anxiety, especially if there’s music playing.
There’s occasional live music in the square, so look up these events before heading out. Even if there aren’t any performances this holiday, you can bring a portable speaker and play some favorite tunes from her youth.
You can then sit and people-watch. Or if it’s hot, enjoy an ice cream cone from a nearby shop.
Attend a Church Service or Gospel Hour
If your mom is religious, then she’ll appreciate it if you attend a church service with her on this special Sunday. Spirituality and routine can provide comfort, and she may have a flood of positive emotional memories when hearing hymns or gospel music.
If you aren’t sure where to go, then Bethany United Methodist Church is a good choice. They often host welcoming and inclusive services. You might want to call ahead to ask about shorter or sensory-friendly services, though.
Bake a Favorite Recipe Together
Those who have mothers who easily get overwhelmed in public can stay at home to spend some quality time instead. In the familiarity of your house, your mom will be at ease. The simple act of baking just may bring back strong, happy memories!
You can pull out your favorite recipes and bake things from scratch. A great suggestion is to prepare simple sugar cookies, as this lets mom help with decorating.
If you use scents like vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon, these can add fun sensory stimulation.
These Are Good Activities for Seniors With Dementia During Mother’s Day
Your past Mother’s Days may have looked different before your mom’s diagnosis. However, just because things have changed doesn’t mean you can’t still have quality time with her.
With these activities for seniors with dementia, you and your family can navigate her symptoms and help her feel safe and secure. Even if she doesn’t remember that it’s a special holiday, you can count on her remembering how you made her feel. Your loving, warm, and patient energy will be something she treasures forever.
At TerraBella Summerville, we have senior-specific wellness classes to ensure your loved ones stay fit and healthy. Contact us now to find out more about senior living in Summerville, SC.
