The Fourth of July holiday is a time for patriotic events like picnics, parades and fireworks. Planning appropriate activities for a loved one with dementia will help keep family traditions alive in a way that is enjoyable for everyone.

The noise and crowds of parades and fireworks may be too much stimulation for someone with dementia, but both can be watched on television so your loved one can enjoy the celebration without being over stimulated.

If you're participating in outdoor activities, keep in mind that people with dementia may not remember to stay hydrated. Offer them drinks frequently and practice summer safety tips for seniors.

Involving younger members of the family in activities for a loved one with dementia keeps everyone involved in the holiday festivities and having fun. Do crafts together, decorate together and work on easy picnic recipes. Be sensitive to your loved one's needs; involve them where they will enjoy it, but also make sure they have the opportunity to rest away from all the activity if needed.

Patriotic Streamers

What You'll Need:

• Popsicle sticks
• Red and blue brush markers
• 1/2 inch red and blue ribbon
• Thin patriotic ribbon
• Glue pen
• Red, white and blue embellishments like sequins, stickers, buttons or pom-poms

Steps:

1. Use the markers to color the popsicle sticks red and blue.
   
2. Glue five popsicle sticks into a star pattern.
3. On one side the popsicle sticks glue your 1/2 inch ribbons.
   
   
4. Add the smaller ribbon at the top of your star.
5. Let the glue dry.
6. Turn over and glue embellishments to the other side.
   

Caregiver Tips:

1. While doing activities with a loved one with dementia, play patriotic music or their favorite songs. See our playlist for a loved one with dementia for ideas.
2. Get your loved one involved by starting the activity yourself and asking them to join in.
3. Activities for people with dementia have the best chance of success in the morning between breakfast and lunch when your loved one is well rested. If they don’t want to participate or get frustrated, don’t force it. Try again at another time.
4. When spending time outside, be sure to wear sunscreen and to dress appropriately for the weather.
5. Remember: With activities for dementia patients, the goal is for you to have fun doing it. Don’t worry about what the end result looks like.
6. If your loved one has dementia, a hospice program and hospice care team can provide support for both the patient and family. This added assistance can be key in avoiding caregiver burnout.

If you have questions about how Crossroads Hospice supports patients with dementia and their families, please call us at 1-888-564-3405.