Valentine's Day tips for helping someone with dementia
The Alzheimer's Foundation of America knows that it's challenging for those who have dementia to navigate the special holiday.
Jennifer Reeder is AFA's Director of Educational and Social Services.
'Dementia changes many facets of life, including relationship dynamics, but it should not prevent people from feeling love and affection,' she said. 'There are ways families can adapt how they connect and express support so that someone living with dementia can experience love on Valentine's Day and throughout the year.'
You can help create a dementia-friendly Valentine's Day for your family by following the AFA's H.E.A.R.T. tips.
Help reminisce: By going through old photographs with your loved one, you can explain who the people are, where the image was taken, what was happening in the photo, and more. You can talk about these special moments and celebrate the bond you share. But you should avoid asking the person if they remember the events depicted in the photographs.
Enjoy flowers: The scent of flowers can stimulate the brain of those with dementia. Purchase non-toxic flowers, set them on a table, and enjoy them with your loved one.
Adapt intimacy: Maintaining, restoring, and creating intimate connections is as easy as sharing a meal, watching a movie, enjoying music, or walking. Use nonverbal cues such as smiles and eye contact to maintain and strengthen connections with someone struggling to verbalize their feelings.
Reaffirm feelings: Write and read aloud a Valentine's Day card for your loved one. They may be able to feel the sentiments behind your writing, and the process can help you express yourself, too.
Talk in the person's love language: Does your loved one appreciate words of affirmation, touch, quality time, gifts, or acts of service? Knowing how your loved one feels appreciated gives you the chance to speak to them in the language of love that they prefer.
If you need to speak to someone about dementia care, call the AFA's helpline at (866) 232-8484. You can also text (646) 586-5283 or chat on the web with AFA professionals.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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