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Dementia is a hard. It’s hard for the person diagnosed: learning to adapt, trying to keep up appearances, coping with the loss of their own abilities. It’s hard for caregivers: constantly grieving little losses of their loved one, stressing over important decisions, losing sleep, answering the same questions repeatedly. Because dementia makes life so difficult, many families lose their joy. But it doesn’t have to be this way. It is possible to still find joy in each day.

7 Ways to Find Joy in the Day:

1. Live in the moment.

Turn on your loved one’s favorite music, turn up the volume, and dance. Watch a favorite movie. Go for a drive and get an ice cream cone.

2. Focus on the good times.

There are difficult days ahead, but instead of dwelling on the bad, focus on the positive. Hold on to those good and funny moments. Write those moments down on Post-It notes or in a journal and come back to them when you need a reminder.

3. Pick your battles.

Not everything is worth arguing over. Give in when you can. Ice cream for dinner – why not?! Arguing takes up time and energy that you don’t have and leads to frustration on both sides. (When appropriate) give in!

4. Spend time with friends and family.

Invite friends and family over. Even if your house isn’t clean, even if you look a hot mess, and even if your fridge is bare! Company is good for our souls. Ask one or just a few people over at a time, so your loved one doesn’t get overwhelmed. Offer coffee and a dessert (or ask your guest to pick up dessert at on the way). Focus conversation on fun times spent together. Share funny stories.

5. Do an activity with your loved one at home.

Look through old photo albums. Remind your loved one of stories the pictures tell instead of asking him/her a bunch of questions about the picture. Check out our previous blog post with other fun activity ideas. The possibilities are endless.

6. Go on a mini adventure.

Walk through an art show. Visit a museum. DIY your own driving tour of Memphis. Sit by Patriot Lake at Shelby Farms or sit in The Peabody Lobby and people watch. Ask your Facebook friends for new restaurant recommendations, and then go try them all.

7. Go for a walk.

LR Knost said, “When life feels too big to handle, go outside. Everything looks smaller when you’re standing under the sky.” Fresh air and exercise is good for everyone. You don’t have to talk or force conversation. Just walk. Hand in hand.

There will be plenty of grief, worry, and struggles with dementia. When you can, choose to enjoy the moment. Decide to share a laugh with your loved one. Share fun memories. And if you have ANY doubt that those affected by dementia can have joyful moments and great days, come see us at Page Robbins. There is much joy within these walls, and we would be happy to help you find it!

Also, be sure to check out this TED talk by Beth Fauth on Finding Joy on an Alzheimer’s Reality.