New Year’s party plans for seniors with Dementia

Celebrating New Year’s Day with seniors living with dementia can be fun and stress-free! Here are a few tips from our Memory Care Team to make the celebration memorable for everyone.  
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First, you can ring in the New Year anytime that works for your loved one. It is best to pick the time of day your loved one has the most energy or when they feel the most alert and comfortable. Maybe lunchtime is best. Plan to do a countdown and celebration at noon, also known as a “Noon Year’s Eve Party!” Melody Living senior living has several meeting and dining spaces available to host residents’ family members on the last day of 2021!

Don’t forget to grab some festive hats. Partygoers will feel spirited wearing 2022 headwear.  There are plenty of choices out there. Maybe grab some headbands for the ladies and top hats for the gentlemen. Try to avoid accessories that can be uncomfortable like necklaces, glasses, or festive noise makers as these can become distressing to your loved one.

During your planned celebration, make sure to do a toast. Pour whatever your loved one is comfortable drinking based on their dietary needs. Maybe apple juice or sparkling water are better choices than champagne. Any drink will do if you use a fancy flute glass for them to enjoy it out of. If sipping from a flute is not feasible, try adding a silly straw for fun.
 
Looking for a fun interactive element to your celebration? Again, ditch the noisemakers and go for confetti instead. Loud abrupt noises could startle sensitive seniors, instead, get some confetti. It is fun for them to toss into the air as well as stimulating. 
 
Finally, take a photo together. You will cherish the memory for years to come and you can put the photo in a frame for them to enjoy throughout the coming year.
 
Happy New Year! To learn more about Melody Living’s memory care community in Colorado Springs give us a call at 719.960.4005 and ask us about scheduling your own private tour.