After an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the last thing to cross a family member’s mind is a celebration. However, as many individuals and families have discovered, one effective way of coping with degenerative disease or terminal illness is through positivity and gratitude for what we have. Whether you’re honoring family milestones or simply cherishing time spent together, creating a spirit of celebration can help boost your loved one’s self-esteem and provide moments of pleasure and joy.
In addition to involving a loved one in celebrating milestones, such as holidays, birthdays, the birth of a grandchild, weddings or graduations, it’s also important to look for ways to celebrate life every day. For example:
- Provide encouragement when your loved one accomplishes a task
- Spend time outside enjoying nature
- Share quality time in each other’s company, or visiting with friends and family
- Enjoy a meal together, and talk about what you’re grateful for
There are many ways you can help turn your loved one’s life into a celebration. Try these approaches whenever you’re together to help bring positivity and enjoyment to each day:
- Focus on abilities, not limitations. Rather than emphasizing your loved one’s declining abilities when you interact with them, focus on what they are still able to do and celebrate their remaining strengths and skills.
- Involve your loved one. Find ways to involve your loved one in family celebrations. Include them in parties and gatherings. If your loved one is unable to attend a special event, such as a grandchild’s wedding, you can still help them be part of the fun by having a small family party at their home, sharing photos, stories and cake.
- Include their favorite things. Your loved one is likely to feel most like his or herself when doing the things they love. Help them celebrate each day by including activities they enjoy, such as baking, listening to favorite music or spending time outdoors.
- Honor traditions. Even though your loved one’s Alzheimer’s disease may keep them from remembering birthdays or anniversaries, honor important traditions anyway. It not only shows your loved one that you care, but it may help them reminisce and connect to their past memories.
- Be with them in their world. Instead of trying to bring your loved one back into your reality, celebrate with them in theirs. Correcting a loved one’s mistakes leads to confusion and frustration, but helping your loved one enjoy their present moment can bring continued comfort and happiness.
When you focus on making life a celebration for your loved one, you’ll find those unique opportunities open up for emotional and cognitive stimulation, personal connections and, most of all, joy.
The Art of Living
At Tuscan Gardens® of Venetia Bay, we’ve mastered the art of living. We’ve perfected the balance of personalized support and an uplifting lifestyle, helping our residents experience independence, joy, and meaning every day.
Offering supportive independent living, assisted living and memory care services for families in Venice, Florida, Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay was founded with one simple, yet profound goal – to create a community worthy of our parents. In all we do, we are guided by the principles of family, culture, and engagement, working to represent the remarkable way of life our families deserve.
The essence of our community is made up not only of mere aesthetics but an artfully designed lifestyle to bring out the best of what each day has to offer. From dedicated care that respects residents’ individuality and dignity to a lifestyle that nurtures their love of life, Tuscan Gardens was built to be more than just a residence, but a place to call home.
To learn more about our comfortable, elegant community, contact us today!
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