Fun Dates at Home: Reconnecting with a Spouse in Memory Care
Having a spouse with dementia doesn't necessarily mean you can't keep the romance alive. Ideas for dates at home or the senior living community include reminiscing over music and memories, enjoying a simple meal or snack together, taking a gentle walk or sitting outdoors, or engaging in a familiar hobby or activity.
The Alzheimer's Association states that over 7 million Americans have Alzheimer's, and by 2050, this will nearly double to 13 million. As an elderly person in Frisco, TX, you may have personal experience with dementia.
In fact, your beloved spouse has this disease, and you want to keep the romance alive while respecting the effects that dementia has on them. In that case, dates at home can be wonderful, as you can spend quality time together in a familiar space. Love in memory care is possible, and here's how.
How Often Should You Visit a Spouse in Memory Care?
How often you visit your spouse in memory care will depend on several things:
- Your partner's needs
- Your emotional well-being
- The stage of dementia
In many cases, spouses visit several times a week or even daily. This is especially vital during the initial transition period since familiar faces can provide comfort and reassurance.
Do note that frequent visits aren't always necessary, and sometimes, they may even cause confusion or emotional distress. So focus on quality more than quantity. Often, short and positive visits that are focused on shared activities can be more beneficial than long and tiring visits.
What Activities Can You Do With Your Spouse To Reconnect?
Regarding memory care and relationships, there are ways to regain the spark in your marriage, even if your loved one has dementia. And one of the best things about reconnecting over activities is that not only can you strengthen your relationship, but you can also help alleviate dementia symptoms and distress.
Reminisce Over Music and Memories
When dating your spouse again, you can first try reminiscing over music and memories. According to Harvard Medicine, music has a powerful effect on the brain, especially regarding memory.
For your date, you can create a playlist from your spouse's younger years that includes:
- Wedding songs
- Favorite artists
- Music is tied to special moments in your life together
Listening to these songs can spark positive emotions and memories. The two of you can sing along, gently dance together, or have deep conversations about where you first heard certain songs.
Enjoy a Simple Meal or Snack Together
Most traditional dates involve going out for a meal, so it makes sense to share food for a date at home. Whether you bring your spouse's favorite snack or go eat at the memory care community's dining room, you can enjoy a sense of togetherness and routine.
While sitting and eating, talk about things like:
- Favorite recipes
- Holiday meals
- Restaurants you once loved
If you find that conversation is difficult, focus on the sensory experience instead. Take in the smells, taste, and atmosphere for a fulfilling time.
Take a Gentle Walk or Sit Outdoors
A quiet walk or time spent outdoors is always refreshing and peaceful. These wellness activities are often possible in a community's safe gardens or walking paths.
So take your loved one's hand, stroll through these beautiful areas, and then sit on a bench to enjoy the fresh air together. You'll find that your mood will be lifted and your anxiety will be decreased.
Even if verbal communication is limited, you can still have a good time. There's lots of sensory stimulation outdoors you can have while remaining calm, so it's fantastic for maintaining emotional connection without pressure.
Engage in a Familiar Hobby or Activity
For meaningful connection in aging, even in personalized memory care, have a date that revisits a familiar hobby. This can make it feel personal and special.
Ideas include:
- Painting
- Doing simple puzzles
- Folding laundry
- Reading aloud
- Working on a small craft
Make sure to choose something your spouse once loved or felt confident doing. Participate alongside them, as this can help preserve dignity and reduce frustration.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Are Fun Activities for Dementia Patients?
Fun activities for dementia patients are those that feel familiar, calming, and engaging, but without being overwhelmed. Focusing on activities that tap into long-term memory is good, such as:
- Listening to favorite music from earlier decades
- Looking through photo albums
- Watching classic movies
Self-expression activities can be fun as well. For example, you can do painting, coloring, or crafting.
If possible, you should encourage them to move their bodies. They can go on short walks, do chair exercises, or garden. These activities can all improve mood and promote relaxation.
How Do You Cope With a Spouse With Dementia?
It can be difficult to observe your spouse change as dementia sets in. It's important to have emotional resilience, patience, and support.
As time passes, adjust your expectations and accept that your loved one's behavior and communication may change. Reading up about dementia can help too, as you can then better understand symptoms.
Don't forget to take care of yourself too. Joining support groups and getting help from other loved ones can prevent burnout.
What Activities Minimize Boredom in People With Dementia?
Activities that minimize boredom in people with dementia are ones that are structured, meaningful, and most importantly, tailored to their interests and abilities. Sensory activities are excellent, such as:
- Listening to music
- Pet therapy
- Aromatherapy
- Handling textured objects
Reminiscent activities are good too. You can help stimulate their memory and conversation by doing storytelling or discussing past experiences with visual prompts.
Have Fun and Meaningful Dates at Home
Dates at home don't have to be boring, even if your spouse has dementia. As you can see, there are many fun ideas, and they don't just stop at our suggestions.
So wrack your brain and find activities that have meaning for your loved one. Together, you can rediscover romance and also address the more challenging parts of dementia.
To hear more about senior living in Frisco, TX, contact us now. Parkview in Frisco hosts Sunday brunch outings and other fun social activities so our residents have fun.