The Fourth of July wouldn’t be complete without a helping of hotdogs, burgers and, of course, good ole’ TNT fireworks to celebrate America’s independence. While a burst of crackling lights can be exhilarating to most, it can also present unique challenges for around 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses.
Chris Schnieder is a spokesperson for the Alzheimer's Foundation for America (AFA) which has provided F.O.U.R. helpful tips to help the caregivers of people affected by the disease better prepare for the boisterous holiday.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Forgo the fireworks
Why might it be a good idea for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia to skip the fireworks and opt for something more quiet and calm?
Fireworks and loud explosions can be distressing for somebody living with dementia especially if they're a war veteran because those loud explosions may be misinterpreted for gunshots or bombs. What you really want to do is adapt the tradition. So, if somebody wants to participate in fireworks, but they don't want to have that loud sound, you can watch a fireworks display on TV, you can use glow sticks, [and] you can use festive lighting.
Being adaptable and proactive are really the caregivers' two best tools here to create a dementia-friendly 4th of July.
Organize & be prepared.
What advanced preparation do you recommend for families to do in the days leading up to July 4th?
One of the things you really want to do is have some sort of soft noise in the home because even if you're inside, the noise and explosions of nearby fireworks can still cause anxiety, fear, or agitation for somebody living with dementia.
You want to have an air conditioner, a white noise machine, or some familiar soothing music, also having favorite comfort items or objects on hand, whether that's a blanket or an article of clothing, all of that provides a familiarity of support.
You also want to try to prepare your loved one by explaining to them in advance that they may hear loud noises and continue doing so gently at different intervals throughout the night, but just constantly reminding them that they're safe and that everything is okay and having those familiar comfort items on hand is critically important.
Understated gatherings work best
Why can large gatherings be overwhelming or even harmful for someone living with dementia?
Well, as you mentioned, they can be overwhelming, they can be disorienting, and it can cause fear and anxiety. So if you're going to host a gathering, keep it small, limit the guests to just a few family members and/or close friends. You may want to consider providing name tags for everybody to help your loved one.
And again, have that celebration around the person's routine as best you can, because individuals living with dementia, for them, routine disruptions can really be problematic. So if they eat meals at a certain time, keep that routine. If they take a nap at a certain time, build it into the celebration.
Try as best you can also to hold your celebration earlier in the day to offset the possibility of sun-downing because there will be less anxiety or confusion earlier in the day as opposed to early evening when the late afternoon turns into the evening because that's when sundowning can occur. Sundowning is, as the afternoon turns into the evening, individuals can experience greater agitation or anxiety. So again, as best you can, preserve the person's routine, but also try to hold that celebration earlier in the day to offset the impacts of sundowning.
Revise how you celebrate
Just because someone is living with dementia, doesn't mean they can't celebrate. What are some engaging dementia-friendly ways to mark the 4th of July?
You hit the nail on the head there. Just because somebody's living with dementia, it doesn't mean they can't still celebrate the holiday, but it does mean the caregivers need to be adaptable.
Whether that's watching a fireworks display on TV, baking 4th of July themed desserts, decorating, or singing familiar music, or looking through a family album with pictures of past 4th of July celebrations. All of these are a great way to spend time together with your loved one.
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America helpline is open 7 days a week and staffed with licensed social workers who specialize in dementia care. You can find more information at their website alzfdn.org.
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