February is the month where love reigns supreme and caretaking is one of the most loving things you can do for another person. Valentine’s Day is a most special day for giving and receiving tokens of love, but, for some, this day can be a reminder of loss and a day of sorrow.
Taking a Sentimental Journey
When you have a loved one with memory loss, Valentine’s Day can be a challenging time. While you may remember how special previous celebrations were, your spouse or loved one may have forgotten those times. How you celebrate the day now is going to be different from the way you did in the past.
Celebrations may have become bitter-sweet. The important thing to remember is that even though adjustments need to be made for how the day is celebrated, the message of the celebration remains the same. Valentine’s day is still a day to honor the love between you and your loved one.
Taking a sentimental journey through a family photo album can be a good way to spark cheerful memories for yourself and your loved one. Put on some favorite music from back in the day and enjoy the ride as you thumb through the pictures.
Your Feelings Are Okay
Times like these can be hard on caretakers. Sometimes it is the special occasions that emphasize the losses that happen with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Be gentle with yourself as you navigate through your own grief about the situation.
You may feel a jumble of emotions, and that is fine. Even though you may miss how things used to be, you can still appreciate the love that has been shared with that someone throughout the years. Caring for your loved one is a major act of love in itself.
You will find there are still shared moments of deep love between your loved one and you; communication methods may be different, but it is still there. It may be in the squeeze of a hand, a smile, a gaze in the eyes or just a nod of the head.
Valentine’s Day is not about fancy dinners, big boxes of chocolates or even dozens of roses. At the end of the day, it is about shared love and those tiny gifts of appreciation, like the gift of time and caring that money cannot buy.
At Gianna Homes, we understand the challenges caregivers face, and we are here to help. Contact us today to find out more about our services and to schedule an appointment.