Father’s Day is a time to honor the special bond between dads and their children. But for families caring for a father with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the traditional celebration might need some adjustments.
Keep it Familiar: Dads with dementia thrive on routine. Plan activities in a familiar environment, like your home or his favorite park. Stick to his usual schedule and avoid overwhelming crowds or loud noises. If you plan on going out, you may need to opt for a less busy time of day, like the early morning, or celebrate a day or week ahead of time.
Rekindle Memories: Reminiscing is a powerful tool. Look through old photographs together, listen to his favorite music, or watch home videos. Encourage him to share stories, even if they seem repetitive. Be patient and focus on the emotions evoked by these memories.
Father’s Day with a dad who has dementia may look different, but it can still be a day filled with love and appreciation. Focus on the connection, the shared moments, and the joy of being together.
Great gift ideas for Dad include:
- Engraved Watch: A watch with a large, easy-to-read face can be a practical gift, especially if it’s engraved with a special message. Some watches like the Apple watch or Garmin watch also have the benefit of a geolocation feature allowing you to see Dad’s location throughout the day.
- Customized Mug or Tumbler: A mug or tumbler with his name, a favorite photo, or a funny saying can be a source of comfort and familiarity. It will also encourage him to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Spending Time Together: With some modification, you and Dad can still enjoy his favorite things together. If he enjoys watching his favorite team like the Golden State Warriors, instead of watching a full game you can watch old highlight reels or shorter clips. If he was an avid golfer, have fun putting inside and putting from his chair. Dad’s favorite hobbies don’t have to stop because of memory loss – they just need to be modified.
Have questions? The team at Carefield Pleasanton is here to help. Join our caregiver’s brunch and support group – contact Carefield Pleasanton by calling (925) 750-8744 or visit www.CarefieldPleasanton.com today.
