For many sweethearts, Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity for hushed conversations over candlelit dinners, sharing heart-shaped boxes of candy, and spending the day letting that special someone know just how loved they are. However, for caregivers and their older loved ones with dementia, this hallmark holiday might look a little different. In many cases, Valentine’s Day has become just another day of trying to get through in one piece.
But, dear caregivers, we want you to know that there are still ways to celebrate the love between you and your other half and all of the wonderful years you have shared. Valentine’s Day might look different now, and that’s okay, but there is always room to transport back in time to the first day you met, to the day you fell in love, and to all the memories you have shared since.
This year, Oakwood Creative Care wants to help you foster a holiday full of love and connection with your loved one with dementia. Dive deeper into the meaning of love and reflect on past traditions with these dementia-friendly sweetheart conversations with subject starters designed to help you and your loved one look back on and embrace the love your relationship has been built on.
Valentine’s Day Conversations For Sweethearts
- How did you celebrate Valentine’s Day growing up?
- What is your favorite Valentine’s Day tradition?
- Did you exchange Valentine’s Day cards growing up? Who would you give them to?
- What does love mean to you?
- What makes you feel loved?
- Can you tell me about a time you felt really loved?
- How can you show someone you love them? Should you do it on Valentine’s Day or all year round?
- What is one thing you love about yourself?
- What is your idea of a dream date? Where would you go, and what would you do?
- What is your favorite romantic movie?
- What is your favorite love song?
- What do you think is the most romantic place on earth?
Expert Dementia Tip
Photos, videos, and music are great tools to use when promoting memory recall for seniors with dementia. Take some time to pause and use one of your electronics to search for different media that reflects all the things your loved one thinks of when responding to these questions. While browsing, continue to ask more questions and encourage deeper conversations on the subject while using the selected medium as a visual tool to aid you along the way.
Reminder For Valentine’s Day: A Caregiver’s Love Knows No Age
Remember, caregivers, your devotion to providing for your loved one with dementia is the ultimate expression of unconditional love. As you approach Valentine’s Day, know that it is okay to grieve the relationship you once had with your loved one while also feeling comfortable with embracing the present. In sickness and health, Valentine’s Day can absolutely still be a chance to share special moments with your special someone.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
Did You Know?
Oakwood Creative Care is bringing back the JOY in aging! We believe a diagnosis should not have to define your life. Instead, we have devoted our mission to reigniting hope for caregivers and older adults with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other age-related challenges. Click the button below to learn more about how we do this through our research-based, cutting-edge, creative care model found at each of our Day Clubs.
