Between flowers, gifts and dinners, it’s that time of year where many show their love for that special person in their life.
While that bouquet of flowers, diamonds or night out enjoying a great meal with your significant other is a welcomed Valentine’s Day, it’s also a wonderful opportunity to take some time to spend it with your loved one.
Many can feel pressure to ensure the day goes well but when it comes to planning something with your loved one who may be living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, many can find it tricky to decide what to do.
Keeping the below ideas in mind, we’ve compiled a list of thoughtful ideas on how you can you make Valentine’s Day great for your loved one.
Quality Time:
Use the day or evening to spend good interrupted time with your loved one. Between work, family and other commitments, our lives get busy, but spending some of it dedicated to them is rewarding on many levels. It brings your loved one joy, during a time in their lives which may not always be the most enjoyable, it brings you and your family together and provides peace of mind seeing them in a warm mood.
Fun-filled games/crafts:
Now remember, there’s no rules saying dinner has to be involved. Your loved one appreciates your time, so why not use it to enjoy some of their favourite, easy to play games or crafts dedicated to the day.
For example, the picture below of one of our caregivers who helped make a heart-filled tree, use this idea or create a fun craft with your loved one to help make the time fun.
Bake:
Yes, dinner is good but baking fun Valentine’s Day treats are even better! Whether it’s cookies or a cake, take the time to get your hands a little dirty with your loved one, share smiles and enjoy the process.
Looking for an idea? Feel free to follow the directions below to easily make delicious Pope’s Valentines’ Cookies!
Music
What better way to do any, or all of the above, than with some great music your loved one enjoys and/or has fond memories of?
Not only does it help create a fun atmosphere, but it may also help to trigger great memories you both can share and explore.
A gift
As mentioned, we’re all well aware of the more traditional gifts we tend to find during Valentine’s Day, but how often do we have the ability to give our loved one a gift that will add value and quality to their lives, plus the peace of mind for them, you and your family simultaneously?
A day dedicated to showing how much one cares, is also a great opportunity to speak with your loved one about utilizing professional and compassionate in-home care.
The added daily fatigue that caregiving for your loved one can sometimes be a lot to bear, but there is help waiting.
Speak to them about the ability to not only receive the assistance for a variety of possible needs including companionship or personal support care but more importantly how it all can be done within the comfort of their own home and familiar surroundings.
Visit our services to learn more about how Senior Helpers can help you, your family and loved one today.
While your loved one may not remember Valentine’s Day from the past, don’t allow their condition to prevent you from making this day one to remember, even if for the time being.
Happy Valentine’s Day
