Bear Creek Blog

Mother's Day Activities for Seniors with Dementia in West Windsor Township

Written by Bear Creek | Apr 16, 2025 4:00:00 AM

According to Harvard Health Publishing (HHP), almost two-thirds of the 6.2 million people age 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. are women.

Alzheimer's is the most common form of dementia, a condition that slowly affects memory and thinking. Women are more likely to develop these changes as they age. Your mother might be one of them.

Seeing her struggle to remember names or faces can be heartbreaking. Mother's Day can bring out even more emotions.

Bear Creek, in West Windsor Township, NJ, provides meaningful Mother's Day activities for seniors with dementia to help them combat loneliness. Discover various engaging activities that help support aging mothers with dementia in West Windsor Township.

Join Local Senior Outings

If your mom can participate, consider joining local senior outings for a Mother's Day event. West Windsor Township offers various programs for seniors, perfect for dementia-friendly celebrations. Look into:

  • Local parks
  • Community centers
  • Senior activity clubs
  • Botanical gardens
  • Outdoor markets

These locations often host fun, engaging activities like flower arranging, group singing, or outdoor picnics. If your mom lives in a memory care community, find out what outing activities they offer.

At Bear Creek Assisted Living, we provide exciting outings and memory care events that allow residents to stay active and socially engaged. Our calendar is always packed with fun programs and events to enjoy with others.

Engage in Simple Arts and Crafts

Crafting helps seniors with dementia stay active, express themselves, and feel included. It can also spark memories of past Mother's Days.

Use materials that are safe and easy to handle. Engage in simple projects like:

  • Decorating a card
  • Painting a flower pot
  • Making a handprint
  • Gluing buttons on a picture frame
  • Stringing large beads into a necklace
  • Coloring a printed flower page

These activities for seniors with dementia make them feel proud of what they make. Sit with them and admire the finished work. Small moments like these can bring joy and real connection.

Host a Special Tea Party

Hosting a Mother's Day tea party is a lovely way to celebrate with a senior who has dementia. A simple afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, tea, and light pastries can bring back memories of past gatherings. Set up a cozy space with a tablecloth, flowers, and soft music.

If possible, invite family or friends for an intimate gathering. Let your mother enjoy social interaction in a comfortable setting.

You can also involve them in setting the table or choosing what to serve. Celebrating moms with dementia in this way creates a connection and shows love and appreciation.

Look Through Old Photos Together

Looking through old photos together is a meaningful way to connect with a senior who has dementia. It can spark memories of happy times and important events.

Start by choosing a few photos that show family moments or special occasions. Sit together and talk about what you see in the pictures. Ask simple questions about the people or locations in the photos.

Even if your mom doesn't remember everything, the activity provides a chance for connection. It also helps keep them engaged and brings comfort and joy.

Create a Memory Box

Another great way to celebrate is by creating a memory box filled with keepsakes and mementos. Include items such as:

  • Old family photos
  • Letters
  • Small trinkets
  • Souvenirs from past vacations
  • Favorite recipes

This hands-on activity allows your mom to relive happy moments from her past, which can bring comfort and joy. Incorporating these Alzheimer's holiday activities into your Mother's Day celebration helps seniors with dementia feel more engaged and connected to their history.

Sit with her and ask about the people and moments that each item brings to mind. The activity stimulates memory and fosters emotional warmth.

Plan a Sensory Garden Walk

West Windsor Township has lovely outdoor areas perfect for a sensory walk, a wonderful Mother's Day activity for seniors with dementia. These walks provide an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as:

  • The scent of flowers
  • The feel of the grass underfoot
  • The sounds of birds chirping
  • The sight of colorful trees and plants
  • The warmth of the sun on the skin

A sensory walk can evoke pleasant memories and provide a calming experience. Pack a picnic with their favorite foods to enhance the experience.

Host a Family Movie Day

Choose a classic movie your mom enjoys or one with sentimental value. Opt for a simple storyline that's easy to follow. Prepare their favorite snacks like popcorn and make the space comfortable with blankets or pillows.

Watching a movie together helps promote relaxation and offers time to bond. Sharing stories and laughter during the movie brings warmth and connection to the day.

These activities are perfect for dementia-friendly celebrations, creating a calm and enjoyable environment. Spending time together in this way shows love and helps create lasting memories.

Provide Personalized Music Therapy

Music is a powerful tool in dementia care. It helps seniors connect with memories and emotions. For Mother's Day, play a playlist of your mom's favorite songs or music from her past. Whether it's a song from childhood or a tune she loved, music brings back memories and emotions.

You can also use simple instruments, like maracas or tambourines, to let your mom participate. Music therapy is a great way to celebrate moms with dementia.

It fosters connection without requiring much verbal communication. Singing along or reminiscing about shared memories makes the experience even more special.

Activities for Seniors with Dementia: Engaging and Meaningful Ideas

Activities for seniors with dementia can include crafts, sensory walks, music, or even memory box creation. These activities help trigger memories, stimulate emotions, and encourage engagement. Celebrating Mother's Day through thoughtful and calming activities creates a sense of joy and connection.

At Bear Creek Assisted Living in West Windsor, NJ, we offer specialized memory care services designed to enrich lives. Our fun and engaging memory care calendar includes amazing activities like pampered manicures and Serenade to Spring piano songs with Diane Laird.

We also offer exciting events such as the State Street Easter Egg Hunt and Virtual Travel to Italy and other locations. Contact us to find out more about our community and how we can support your family.