Father’s Day Activities to Share With Your Loved One Who Has Dementia
Celebrating occasions like Father’s Day may be bittersweet if your loved one is experiencing dementia or another form of memory loss. The holiday offers an opportunity to treasure some quality time together, but you may find yourself struggling to choose Father’s Day activities you can both enjoy.
Even so, honoring the man who’s played such a vital role in your life may be all the motivation you need to plan an extra special day. You know your dad and what he’ll enjoy best, but to get you started with some inspiration, we’ve compiled some ideas for Father’s Day activities for people with dementia:
Take a walk down memory lane. Looking at photos or videos from the past can be a real comfort to someone experiencing memory loss. The images may help conjure a sense of peace and happiness from a time in life they recall well. Take time to listen to the stories they elicit, and even write them down to preserve the memories.
Engage in friendly competition. Playing games is a great way to keep cognitive skills sharp while having some fun. Plan a game day with a marathon of all your family favorites, including some from your childhood. Raise the stakes by wagering with a selection of snacks and enjoy a day filled with camaraderie and banter. You might even invite your dad’s senior living community neighbors to join in the fun, then leave the games for them to enjoy together later on.
Enjoy some big-screen entertainment. If your dad is comfortable getting out and about, a visit to the local theater to watch a new release in all of its big-screen glory could be a treat for both of you. For dads who are happier staying close to home, you can create a movie theater in the living room and show a throwback flick on the TV or a projector screen. Be sure to include plenty of concession-style treats for a more authentic experience.
Tackle a project together. Your Father’s Day activities don’t have to be all fun and games. Seniors experiencing dementia benefit greatly from feeling a sense of purpose, and working together to complete a special task or project can give your dad a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The project might be practical, like assembling a new piece of furniture for his senior living apartment, or for pleasure, such as assembling a model figure.
Share your love for a great meal. Many of life’s most memorable occasions involve delicious food. This Father’s Day, treat your dad to a taste of the past he recalls fondly. That might mean bringing takeout from his favorite restaurant or resurrecting classic family recipes for a homemade meal. Savoring each course and talking about special memories you associate with these dishes will make the meal even more meaningful.
Make Every Day More Meaningful
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion like Father’s Day to fill your loved one’s life with a sense of security, independence and achievement. Our memory care associates get to know residents personally so they can support successful experiences every day. Learn more about our individualized approach to memory care and how we work to make our communities feel like home.