Navigating Alzheimer's and COVID-19 on Mother's Day

To help families affected by Alzheimer's navigate limitations during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but still looking to celebrate Mother's Day, the Alzheimer's Association offers tips to help plan for in-person or virtual celebrations, states the Chicago Daily Herald . The association recommends that families follow a person-centered approach by focusing on what is enjoyable for the person with Alzheimer's, like looking at family pictures or enjoying their favorite food. Small gatherings may be preferable if the person gets overwhelmed in large groups, with simplicity being key. Holding to the person's normal routine will help prevent Mother's Day from becoming disruptive or confusing, and families should plan for breaks so the person can rest in a quiet area away from noise and crowds if needed. Video chat platforms like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom are useful when holding virtual celebrations, and families should prepare ahead of time to ensure the platform is one that the person with Alzheimer's can access easily. The event also could be enhanced by a slideshow that features favorite pictures of mom and cherished family photos.