Mother's Day Activities for Seniors with Dementia in Oakland, California

If you're reading this, you might be feeling a mix of emotions as Mother's Day approaches. For many, it's a joyful time to celebrate the women who've loved and raised us. But if your mom is living with dementia, this day can stir up heartache and a deep sense of loss.

It's tough to watch the woman who once knew every detail of your life struggle to recall your name or the meaning of Mother's Day. Yet, even in these challenges, there's still room for love and connection through activities for seniors with dementia. In Oakland, CA, communities like The Point at Rockridge get how hard this can be and work to create spaces where seniors thrive.

With simple, memory-sparking dementia-friendly events and memory care activities, you can make this Mother's Day special. We're here to share ideas to help you celebrate your mom with joy.

Crafting a Personalized Memory Book

Mother's Day is a beautiful time to sit with your mom and create something that brings her past to life. A personalized memory book is a wonderful memory care activity for seniors with dementia and can reconnect them with happy moments.

Gather:

• Old photos
• Postcards
• Small keepsake
  • A ticket stub from an Oakland A's game
  • A snapshot by Lake Merritt

Paste them into a sturdy scrapbook with large, clear labels, like "Our Family Picnic" or "Mom's Favorite Dress." The NCCDP notes that visual cues can spark joy and recognition, even when words are hard to find.

As you flip through the pages together, share simple stories about each item, inviting her to chime in. This dementia-friendly event fosters family support for seniors and lets the grandkids join in the storytelling.

You can do this at home or in a cozy community space like The Point at Rockridge, where families often gather. It's a gentle way to honor your mom's life this Mother's Day.

Singing Along to Songs from the Past

There's something magical about music, especially for seniors with dementia. For Mother's Day, pull together a playlist of songs your mom loved in her younger years, such as:

• 1940s jazz
• Motown hits
• Hymns she sang in church

Singing is a memory care activity that can light up her face, as music often unlocks emotions and memories, even in advanced dementia. The Alzheimer's Foundation suggests familiar tunes can reduce anxiety and boost mood.

Gather the family to sing or hum along, maybe at a familiar setting that she loves to visit, like the Oakland Parks she used to bring you as a kid! Involve grandkids to make it one of the most unforgettable Alzheimer's care celebrations, and encourage the kids to clap or dance to keep things lively.

You don't need a big setup, maybe just a speaker or even a cappella with the whole family. By sharing songs tied to her past, you're giving her a Mother's Day filled with warmth and family support for seniors.

Planting Flowers or Arranging Bouquets

Nothing says Mother's Day like flowers, and for seniors with dementia, a hands-on gardening activity can stir up happy memories. Head to Oakland's Morcom Rose Garden for a quiet stroll and some gentle potting, or pick up blooms from the Temescal Farmers' Market to arrange a bouquet.

The scent of roses or the feel of soil can bring back memories of tending a garden. Keep it simple, though. Let her pat dirt around a plant or arrange flowers in a vase.

The tactile nature makes it a dementia-friendly event, since it is calming and engaging. Families can share stories about mom's love for flowers and strengthen the family support for seniors.

Baking a Family Favorite Recipe

Baking together can wrap your mom can bring back memories for both of you. Perhaps she perfected a chocolate chip recipe that the entire neighborhood coveted, or the carrot cake she brought to family BBQs. Choose a simple recipe she loved and let the smells spark memories of family kitchens.

The NIH says familiar scents can trigger joy for seniors with dementia. Grab ingredients from Oakland's Grand Lake Farmers' Market, maybe fresh berries for muffins or some free-range chicken eggs.

Keep it easy: let her stir or sprinkle sugar while you handle the oven. This dementia-friendly event invites family support for seniors, with kids joining to decorate treats and share stories of past bake-offs.

Painting Oakland's Beauty

Creating art can light up your mom's world, especially when it's inspired by Oakland's charm. For Mother's Day, set up a simple painting or collage session, a memory care activity that's gentle and expressive.

Suggest images of Lake Merritt's sparkling water or the Bay Bridge at sunset, which could recall memories from past outings. Use big brushes and bright colors to make it easy, as the Brush Development Company notes that art can stir emotions for those with dementia.

It can let her create without pressure, with family joining in for family support for seniors. Host this dementia-friendly event at home or a community space, maybe even The Point at Rockridge's activity room. It's a colorful way to celebrate her love for Oakland and make new memories together.

Creating a Scented Sachet With Familiar Scents

For Mother's Day, making a scented sachet can wrap your mom in memories triggered by smell, a powerful memory care activity for seniors with dementia. Pick familiar scents like lavender from the Temescal Farmers' Market or rose petals, maybe tied to her old garden from home.

Try this at home or a cozy spot like The Point at Rockridge for a heartfelt Mother's Day in Oakland, CA. It's a sweet way to celebrate her.

Meaningful Activities for Seniors With Dementia on Mother's Day

Mother's Day in Oakland, CA, is a chance to shower your mom with love, even if dementia makes things feel different. The activities for seniors with dementia we've shared are simple ways to spark joy and connection.

With family support for seniors, you can make this day one to cherish. At The Point at Rockridge, we're proud to offer a welcoming community where families come together for these moments, surrounded by care and comfort.

Want to make this Mother's Day special? Try these ideas at home or visit us to see how our Memory Care program brings smiles. Contact The Point at Rockridge today to learn more!