Celebrating Mother's Day When Mum Has Dementia

Discover heartwarming ways to celebrate Mother's Day with a mum living with dementia. Spring Retirement's live-in care experts share compassionate tips to create meaningful moments and cherished memories.

Mother's Day is a time to honour and celebrate the special women in our lives. However, when a mum is living with dementia, the occasion can bring mixed emotions for families. At Spring Retirement, we understand the unique challenges this presents, and our specialised live-in carers are here to support you in making the day truly meaningful.

Understanding the Impact of Dementia on Mother's Day

Dementia can significantly alter how your mum experiences special occasions. She may not remember the day's significance or even recognise family members. However, this doesn't mean the day should pass without celebration. With the right approach, you can create moments of joy and connection that resonate with your mum's current abilities and needs.

Creating a Dementia-Friendly Celebration

Our live-in carers at Spring Retirement recommend focusing on sensory experiences and familiar activities. Here are some compassionate approaches to make Mother's Day special:

1. Reminisce with Photos and Music

Create a personalised photo album or digital slideshow of family memories. Our carers can help your mum engage with these images, gently prompting recollections without pressure. Pair this activity with your mum's favourite music from her younger years to enhance the sensory experience.

2. Engage in Gentle Activities

Consider activities that your mum enjoyed in the past, adapting them to her current abilities. This might include:

• Simple gardening tasks like planting flowers in pots
• Listening to an audiobook together
• Gentle hand massages with scented lotion

Our live-in carers can assist in setting up and facilitating these activities, ensuring your mum feels safe and comfortable throughout.

3. Prepare Favourite Foods

The aroma and taste of beloved dishes can evoke powerful memories. Work with your Spring Retirement carer to prepare some of your mum's favourite meals or treats. Even if her appetite has changed, the familiar smells can be comforting and stimulating.

4. Create a Calm Environment

People with dementia can become overwhelmed by too much stimulation. Our carers suggest creating a peaceful atmosphere by:

• Keeping gatherings small and intimate
• Minimising background noise
• Ensuring the room is well-lit but not overly bright

5. Focus on Touch and Comfort

Physical touch can be incredibly comforting for someone with dementia. Consider giving your mum a gentle hand massage or brushing her hair. Our live-in carers can guide you on the best approaches based on your mum's preferences and comfort levels.

The Role of Live-in Care on Special Days

At Spring Retirement, our live-in carers play a crucial role in supporting families during special occasions like Mother's Day. They can:

• Help plan and prepare for the day, considering your mum's routines and preferences
• Assist with personal care to ensure your mum looks and feels her best
• Provide continuity and familiarity, which can be especially comforting on potentially confusing days
• Offer respite to family members, allowing you to focus on enjoying time with your mum

Embracing New Traditions

While it's natural to wish for Mother's Days of the past, embracing new traditions can be equally rewarding. Our carers encourage families to:

• Create a memory box filled with items that represent your mum's life and interests
• Start a tradition of planting a special flower or plant each Mother's Day
• Record stories about your mum to share with younger family members

Managing Expectations and Emotions

It's important to acknowledge that Mother's Day might bring up complex emotions for both you and your mum. Our Spring Retirement team suggests:

• Setting realistic expectations for the day
• Being flexible and ready to adapt plans as needed
• Taking time for self-care and seeking support when needed

Celebrating the Present Moment

While dementia may have changed your mum, there are still many ways to celebrate her and the love she represents. Focus on creating moments of connection, no matter how small. A smile, a squeeze of the hand, or a moment of shared laughter can be profound expressions of love and appreciation.

At Spring Retirement, we believe that every mum deserves to feel special on Mother's Day, regardless of her cognitive abilities. Our compassionate live-in carers are dedicated to supporting families in creating meaningful celebrations that honour the essence of your mum and the relationships she cherishes.

By adapting your approach and focusing on sensory experiences, comfort, and familiar elements, you can make Mother's Day a beautiful and memorable occasion. Remember, it's not about grand gestures, but about moments of connection and love.

If you're looking for support in caring for a mum with dementia, not just on Mother's Day but every day, Spring Retirement's live-in care services can provide the compassionate, specialised care your loved one deserves. Our team is here to help you navigate the challenges of dementia care whilst ensuring your mum maintains her dignity, comfort, and quality of life in the familiar surroundings of her own home.

🌐 springretirement.co.uk
✉️ info@springretirement.co.uk
📞 01386 365247

For more information about our live-in care services or to discuss how we can support your family, please visit our contact page: https://springretirement.co.uk/contact-us/