5 Valentine’s Day Activities Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Can Do

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5 Valentine's Day Ideas for the Elderly with Alzheimer's in Victoria, BC

It is important for family caregivers to keep their senior loved one engaged after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The same interests that gave your loved one pleasure in the past could stir memories and reduce anxiety in the present. If your loved one has always enjoyed celebrating Valentine’s Day, encourage him or her to continue celebrating the special holiday. Here are some fun activities seniors with Alzheimer’s can participate in on Valentine’s Day. 

1. Create Flower Arrangements 

Making thoughtful gifts is a good way for older adults with Alzheimer’s to continue with tradition and foster a sense of accomplishment. Take the activity a step further and assist your loved one in the garden while he or she picks fresh flowers to add to the bouquet. You could also use plastic flowers from a local craft store. However, picking flowers from the garden could enrich your loved one’s quality of life by participating within his or her environment. 

Maintaining a high quality of life can be challenging for some seniors, but professional caregivers can help them obtain this goal. Families can trust in Victoria, British Columbia, in-home care experts to help their elderly loved ones focus on lifestyle choices that increase the chances of living a longer and healthier life.

2. Cook Sweet Treats 

Cooking can be therapeutic for seniors with Alzheimer’s, which is why family caregivers should encourage their loved ones to get back in the kitchen. Cooking could also activate the senses, in addition to promoting social bonding and self-expression. If your loved one has to avoid eating sweets, there are healthy Valentine’s Day treats you can make together, including:

  • Heart-shaped whole grain pancakes 
  • Chocolate banana pops
  • Strawberry wonton cups
  • Red parfait
  • Heart-shaped fruit and veggie trays 

Don’t let your loved one’s healthy eating habits end after Valentine’s Day. Make sure he or she has support to maintain a healthy diet by hiring a professional caregiver. In Victoria, British Columbia, home care agencies can be a great boon to seniors. With the help of the caregivers at Home Care Assistance, your aging loved one can lead a happier and healthier life. We offer a revolutionary program called the Balanced Care Method, which encourages seniors to eat nutritious foods, exercise and socialize regularly, and focus on other lifestyle factors that increase life expectancy.

3. Watch Old Videos or Look Through Old Photo Albums

Watching old home videos is the perfect way to enhance your loved one’s mood and calm the atmosphere while celebrating the special occasion. If you don’t have old videos for your loved one to watch, you could create a picture album for him or her to look at. The pictures in the album should include photos of other family members from past Valentine’s Day celebrations. Looking at old photos can trigger memories for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and help them foster emotional connections with others. 

4. Play Romantic Songs

Play your loved one’s favorite romantic songs of the past and present. Key brain areas are often linked to musical memory and typically go undamaged. Therefore, playing music is the perfect way for family caregivers to help their loved one trigger past memories. Listening to music can boost your loved one’s mental and emotional wellbeing and reduce stress, anxiety, agitation, and violent behavior. 

5. Make Homemade Valentine’s Day Cards 

If your loved one used to pass out cards on this special occasion, help him or her continue this tradition. You can make the activity even better by encouraging your loved one to create the cards. Making homemade cards can help seniors with Alzheimer’s increase their concentration while connecting past memories. Encourage your loved one to share the cards with other family members, as well as friends and neighbors. Creating the cards may help your loved one feel more engaged with life.

Every senior living with Alzheimer’s deserves high-quality Alzheimer’s care. Victoria, British Columbia, families can rely on the caregivers at Home Care Assistance to keep their loved ones safe while managing the symptoms of the disease. Using our Cognitive Therapeutics Method, our caregivers help seniors regain a sense of pride and accomplishment while slowing the rate of cognitive decline. To hire a professionally trained caregiver for your loved one, call us at (250) 592-4881 today.

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