If you’re spending Easter with a loved one who has dementia, there are plenty ways make sure they enjoy the holiday. Whatever you do, just make sure your loved one with dementia feels included.
Make an Easter wreath or bonnet
This craft is something the whole family can get involved in. Just dig out an old hat or wreath and start adding pieces of ribbon, cardboard cut-outs of eggs, chicks, bunnies and tie in some spring flowers.
Go on an egg hunt
Another great family activity! If your loved one is able to move around easily, you can enlist them to either help hide the eggs, or be part of the egg hunting group, helping grandchildren. If they’re less mobile these days, they may still enjoy watching the hunt progress around the garden (just make sure to keep talking to them and including them in conversation).
Prepare Easter lunch together
Family lunch is part of Easter. Your loved one with dementia may enjoy helping to prepare the lunch, so if they’re able, give them some tasks such as peeling carrots or stirring the sauce. Remember, it may take someone with dementia longer to eat food, especially if they struggle with chewing and swallowing, so keep the portions small and consider serving it in a special insulated plate so it keeps warm.
Decorate an Easter tree
Take some branch cuttings that have some spring buds and flowers on (we recommend forsythia or cherry blossom), arrange in a vase of water and then decorate with painted eggs, cardboard Easter decorations and ribbons.
Spend time outdoors
Go for walk in the park, take a stroll to church or even visit a petting farm? Farm visits can be a great activity for people with dementia because they’re so interactive.
Go to church or a gathering
If your loved one is religious, or enjoyed going to church at Easter in the past, there’s no reason why they wouldn’t enjoy it now they have dementia. Often, hymns, prayers and religious events can stir deeper memories that are actually easier to access, and comforting for someone with dementia. The local Senior Center may have holiday activities, as well.
Take a trip down memory lane
Everyone likes reminiscing but it can be particularly enjoyable for someone with dementia, for whom the past can be more vivid than the present. Watch a classic movie (maybe Easter Parade) or get into a conversation of reliving old memories and moments.