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TUESDAY, Feb. 13, 2024 (HealthDay Information) — When a liked one has dementia, Valentine’s Day will be bittersweet.
“When dementia enters somebody’s life, it may well change many issues, together with the dynamic of their relationships,” stated Jennifer Reeder, director of instructional and social providers for the Alzheimer’s Basis of America.
That’s why it’s essential to be adaptable, she urged in a basis information launch. Being open to vary may also help households affected by dementia discover alternative routes to precise love, present help and join with each other not solely on Valentine’s Day but in addition all year long, Reeder stated.
For a dementia-friendly Valentine’s Day, use the acronym L.O.V.E.:
Look Again Collectively: Take out previous photographs and luxuriate in them collectively. Describe who the individuals are and what’s occurring in every image. Speaking about shared moments or events you loved collectively celebrates the love and bond you share.
Open Your self to Connecting in Totally different Methods: It might be arduous to do issues the way in which you used to, however there are numerous methods to take care of or re-create love and connection. Think about sharing a meal, watching a favourite film, listening to favourite music or simply speaking a stroll collectively. A mild contact, smile and eye contact strengthen connections with somebody who’s unable to precise their feelings in phrases. Purchase a bouquet and luxuriate in its magnificence collectively. The scent can increase temper and stimulate the mind. (Select flowers resembling roses, orchids or sunflowers, that are non-toxic to folks and pets.)
Verbalize Your Emotions: Write a Valentine and skim it aloud to your beloved. Even when they will’t grasp the complete which means, writing it and speaking your love can elevate your personal spirits.
Specific Your self within the Individual’s Love Language: Phrases of affirmation, high quality time, bodily contact, presents and acts of service are love languages folks use to precise love. Communicate to your beloved in that language, and do not forget that these gestures could change as dementia progresses.
Extra info
The Alzheimer’s Basis of America has a helpline staffed by social employees educated in dementia care. It’s out there seven days every week by telephone (866-232-8484); textual content (646-586-5283) and chat (alzfdn.org/).
SOURCE: Alzheimer’s Basis of America, information launch, Feb. 7, 2024
What This Means for You
Making Valentine’s Day particular for a liked one with dementia requires creativity and endurance.
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