Valentine's Day is this week and images of love seem to be everywhere. Do you know how your loved one with dementia likes best to receive love? The idea that everyone has a preferred love language was popularized in 1992 by Gary Chapman, Ph.D., in his bestselling book The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. If your loved one with dementia responds most to physical touch, consider the benefits of creating a sensory room in your home.
In honor of Valentine's Day, we went back through our video short library to re-share this sweet excerpt of a caregiver talking about his spouse with dementia. David valued so highly when his wife gave him a kiss on the cheek. People with dementia show their caregivers appreciation and love in different ways. It is important to recognize these signs of gratitude, no matter how small.
Whether for a special date or to simply enjoy some time outside the home for a meal, taking a loved one with dementia out to dinner can be successful and enjoyable with preparation. It is also a healthy exercise for both the caregiver and person with dementia alike to spend time outside of the home. By reviewing our tips, perhaps this can be a regular treat!
If you are caring for a person living with dementia at home, Mondays with Mimi is where you can have your questions answered. In her 20 years at St. John’s, Mimi DeVinney (our Dementia/Quality of Life Specialist) has heard dozens of questions about caring for people living with dementia. Go to the Ask Mimi page of St. John’s Online Dementia Resource Center every Monday, to see Mimi’s answers to newly submitted questions.
