Make Time for Fun Things
A little time can go a long way
Particularly if you've just been thrown in at the deep end by some sudden event that made you a carer, you can feel there are too many essential practical things to do, and too much to find out about, to have time to do fun activities with your loved one.
However, some things, such as playing with a balloon and pushing it back and forth between you, can take a short time and be fitted in at any time. Others, such as a trip to the park or to visit one of your loved one's friends, may take longer but can be done less often, and will give you both pleasure.
Your loved one may not remember specifically what they did on their outing for as long as you do, but they will have an underlying knowledge that they did something nice with you, and that they still get to do nice things. You will have the smiles, the memories and photographs, and the knowledge that you helped them enjoy this time. At every stage of the disease you'll wish you'd had more time to spend in the previous stage, when their capabilities were greater.
Also see our section on time management, and our list of suggested entertainment.
Take photos
Mobile/cell phone cameras are a great way to record smiles and enjoyment.
It's nice to look back at photos and see that whilst they have dementia they're still capable of having fun.
Your loved one may like to see photos you took of the things you saw on a previous outing, for example if you went to feed the ducks, but be aware that they might potentially be put off to see a photo of themselves if they think they're 39 and not the old face you show them.
A few photographic tips:
- Try not to hide your face behind the camera as you're taking photos - you'll get a better smile if they can see your face.
- If you're out and about and want someone to take a photo of the two of you together, we recommend asking someone like a member of staff to take the photo, rather than passing your mobile/cell phone or camera to a stranger who might run off with it! Just being extra cautious.
- Older ladies may benefit from a few whiskers being removed with an electric shaver before photographs on special days. To avoid any embarrassment you can always say it's just in case there are any little whiskers, rather than indicating that there are any.