With school out, summer officially begins with backyard barbecues and weekend camping, weddings and anniversaries, car shows, art in the park and July 4 celebrations. Many families look forward to the activity and excitement, but for those with a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, these occasions can be challenging.
“It becomes necessary to look at these events through different eyes,” said Vanessa Hoines, Regional Care Consultant, Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota. “It’s important for family members and caregivers to know the things that are likely to trigger their person and make accommodations to avoid them.”
Hoines works with a family that has a grandparent living with dementia. The family was planning large get-togethers with local family members because they know socializing is important for people living with dementia to avoid isolation.“ But as we were talking, I reminded them that people living with dementia can be easily overwhelmed, especially in large groups,” Hoines said. “They may withdraw because there is too much going on.”
With this knowledge, the family decided to shift their plans with each family choosing a weekend or a time to get together in smaller groups. This will allow more one-on-one conversations and makes it easier for the person living with dementia to engage and be part of the interactions. When it comes to larger events like weddings, birthdays and anniversaries, Hoines recommends planning ahead. “In many cases, people living with dementia will have no problem with the ceremony because it is more subdued,” Hoines said.
But instead of being an early guest, it is often better to arrive later, so there is less time to wait and possibly cause the person living with dementia to become anxious. Hoines suggested having a special seat chosen toward the front to help the person focus on the ceremony rather than becoming distressed if they don’t recognize all the people. For the reception, if possible, plan to have a smaller room or space off to the side or plan to attend the dinner and have arrangements made for the person to then retire at home with a caregiver or respite worker said Nikki Wegner, North Dakota Program Director at the Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota. “
A busy day like that can be really exhausting,” Wegner said, “and could cause more confusion later in the day.” Milestone birthdays and anniversaries are often celebrated in the summer, and are not always comfortable for those living with dementia. Families have good intentions and want to celebrate these important events, but when organizing a party for someone with dementia, planning ahead is key. One recommendation is to include information on the invitations to help guests and the person living with dementia have a better experience at the celebration.“Stay away from the don’ts,” Hoines recommends. “Instead, explain what to do.” Rather than being in the middle of a large group of people, arrange the space to allow for one-on-one interaction, and ask guests to approach the person from the front and preferably at eye level. “Often they will be seated, so you can pull up a chair from the front,” Wegner said. “As we age, we lose our peripheral vision, and with Alzheimer’s, it can be even more pronounced.”
Advising guests to introduce themselves helps alleviate embarrassment and the struggle of the person living with dementia to try and remember names.“Remind guests to stay away from asking questions,” Hoines suggested. “Instead, share things about your own life that may encourage them to share things. We are so used to asking questions rather than sharing. Depending on where they are in their stages of Alzheimer’s, they may not be verbal. Many times it is up to us to carry on the conversation and tell stories about the connections we have with them.”
Summer is also filled with annual events and family traditions. Whether it is attending a car show, walking through the park to view arts and crafts, or buying produce at the farmers’ market, making arrangements before the event can help ease stress on everyone. “If they are adamant about wanting to go and they have a history of going, it’s okay to give it a try,” Hoines said, “but plan that maybe you won’t stay very long.”
“Honing it down to be manageable—like walking one and a half blocks instead of seeing all the cars,” Wegner added. “Gauge how they are doing to determine how long to stay. ”Summer events can be a challenge for people living with dementia, their caregivers and families, but planning ahead to make things more manageable, sharing information to facilitate better interaction, and letting others help to alleviate the stress can create a positive experience.”
About the Alzheimer’s Association® The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.
The Minnesota-North Dakota chapter provides no-charge support, classes, support groups, training and other resources. The Alzheimer’s Association Helpline is available to individuals and families 24/7 for around-the-clock care and support, resource and dementia information, speaking with a dementia expert or setting up care consultations. For more information or to get assistance contact The North Dakota Aging and Disability Resource or the Alzheimer’s Association at (800) 272-3900 or the Minnesota-North Dakota chapter, or call (701) 258-4933.
Upcoming Great Plains QIN Webinar: Care Approaches for the Person with Dementia
August 8, 2023 | 3:00 – 4:00 PM CT
There are an estimated 6.7 million Americans with Alzheimer’s dementia in 2023, and the incidence is expected to increase as the number of 65 and older surges. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 75 percent of people with Alzheimer’s disease will be admitted to the nursing home by age 80. There is much we do not understand about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of persons living with dementia and brain changes. However, we do know that a caregiver’s understanding of dementia while using a person-centered care approach for the person with dementia is the foundation of quality care. Yes, there are challenges in caring for someone with dementia, but oh how satisfying it can be, when the caregiver is able to forge a positive connection! Attend this Webinar to learn more.
Register TodaySpeaker:
Lori Hintz, RN, CADDCT, CDP, Quality Improvement Advisor
Great Plains Quality Innovation Network (GPQIN)
South Dakota Foundation for Medical Care (SDFMC)