Alzheimer’s long term care around the holidays can be sad and lonely for residents with memory loss. When elderly adults become sad and depressed, caregivers look for ways to distract them and keep them engaged and entertained. Since Valentine’s Day is just around the corner the staff at Clover Care Home have been busy getting creative.

Valentine’s Day is for young and old alike! It’s a perfect opportunity to show residents of an Alzheimer’s long term care facility some love and affection. Here are a few suggestions for ways to contribute to putting a smile on the face of your loved one.

One common issue that goes hand-in-hand with aging in a facility is loneliness. Separation and isolation affect elderly adults who have memory loss more than most, and they may feel they are no longer important to their families. It helps to encourage participation in holiday social activities.

Valentine’s Day Activities for Seniors

• Be Still My Heart – Decorate their room with familiar photos of loved ones, festive red hearts and garlands. These are simple, inexpensive ways to brighten their surroundings and create a festive environment. Let them help as much as they are able – it’ll be fun and memorable.
• Friendly Visits – Any holiday is a good reason to get together with family and friends. Organize a casual coffee or tea social or a special dinner at the Alzheimer’s long term care home.
• Color Me Happy – Coloring is a wonderful way to relax, be creative, and enjoy time together, especially if there are young children present. Let them help their grandparent by coloring Valentine-themed coloring books.
• Fun & Games – Bingo is a fun game that you can play with your loved one and Crayola® has created a free Valentine-themed bingo game. All you need to do is print off the different Valentine bingo sheets and let the fun begin.
• Valentine’s Cookies – Valentine’s Day and special treats go hand-in-hand and you can enlist the aid of your elderly loved one by making Valentine’s cookies, simple desserts or tasty snacks together. You can even make extras to give to family and friends.
• Share The Love – Enlist the help of at Alzheimer’s long term care resident in decorating a shoebox to receive Valentine cards in, and make sure you provide Valentine cards they can share with other residents.
• Movie Time – What’s more enjoyable than watching a classic romantic or romantic comedy? This can be a pleasant activity that will foster feelings of comfort and familiarity. If you know your family member’s favorites from earlier times that’s even better. Whether you join a group of other Alzheimer’s long term care residents or it’s just the two of you, grab some snacks and settle in.

If you’re looking for a gift for your family member, especially when you’re unable to be present, here are a few thoughtful Valentine’s gift ideas:

• Who Doesn’t Love Flowers? – Whether it’s a real bouquet or made of silk, a lovely Valentine’s floral arrangement can brighten their room and let them know you care.
• Special Yummy Treats – Candy is a classic Valentine’s gift and a small box of chocolate in a pretty heart-shaped box is just the right touch for someone with a sweet tooth.
• Cuddly Snuggle Buddies – Alzheimer’s long term care residents always appreciate soft cuddly stuffed animals. They bring them comfort and there are so many cute and affordable ones available.

Get creative when thinking about how to brighten someone’s Valentine’s Day! Clover Care Home is a comfortable, pleasant Alzheimer’s long term care home that serves the entire Kansas City metropolitan area. Feeling a sense of home can become especially important as someone ages.

Our well-respected Alzheimer’s long term care assisted living residence in Kansas City provides the very best care to your loved one. If you would like to meet with our administrators or tour the facility, give us a call. You can also check us out on our WEBSITE. 

Clover Care Home, 6320 Zarda Drive, Shawnee, KS 66226 – 913-991-2605