3 Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day When Mom Has Dementia
If TV ads were to be trusted, we should all be celebrating Mother's Day in the same ways. We should gather around our mothers, gifting them with candy, flowers, and cards. We tell mom what she means to us and enjoy time laughing together in the warm spring sunshine.
Unfortunately, when our mothers have dementia, the celebrations take on a different tone.
On holidays in general, but particularly on Mother's Day, families who have mothers with dementia will likely:
- Feel an increase in grief. While it's never easy when our loved ones suffer in this way, moments like these make us long for the past and mourn what we've lost in special ways.
- Experience frustration and isolation. Seeing happy pictures of other families celebrating online deeps our sense that others don't understand what we're going through.
While these are understandable reactions, it's important to consider that while we may not be able to celebrate Mother's Day as we once did, that doesn't mean we can't celebrate at all.
3 Ways to Celebrate Mother's Day When Mom Has Dementia
While there are many unique ways for us to celebrate our mothers, here are a few we suggest.
Work with What You Have
A sure path to disappointment on Mother's Day would be to try to re-create some ideal holiday of the past. While those days were wonderful while they lasted, they are no longer possible, and attempting to re-create them will only bring pain and frustration.
Instead of laboring to construct a false sense of reality this Mother's Day and create some "ideal" celebration, work instead with what you have.
That might mean
- Staying home
- Celebrating simply
- Focusing on daily needs rather than splashy gestures
When you can release yourself from the pressure of measuring up to the standards of the past, you may find that something as simple as a favorite meal or a small activity will be enough to dignify the holiday for both you and your mother.
Live with Mom in the Moment
While those with dementia can no longer reminisce, many are still capable of enjoying certain activities in the present.
This Mother's Day, live with mom in the moment by choosing an activity she will love:
- Listening to music together
- Sitting side-by-side with a puzzle or an adult coloring book
- Watching a classic film with the whole family
- Going for a long, scenic drive
Giving our moms moments of joy and experiencing them together in real-time can be a great way to honor them this Mother's Day.
Bring Your Support System Together
Because of their dementia, our mothers are most likely unaware that it's their special day. But that doesn't mean others won't want to help celebrate her. This Mother's Day, consider bringing together friends, family members, and loved ones who have supported you and your mother throughout this difficult life season.
Share a meal and enjoy spending time together, honoring everything you love about your mom and the life you've had together up to this point.
Important Note: If you're also a mom yourself, don't lose sight of the fact that this is your day, too. By bringing your support system together, you're allowing space to celebrate your mom and allow your own experience with motherhood to be honored as well.
Elite Home Health Care Can Help
At Elite Home Health Care, we know how challenging it can be to care for senior loved ones, especially on holidays like Mother's Day. Our compassionate caregivers are well-versed in these dynamics.
To learn more about how we can help, contact Elite Home Health Care today.