Birthday Celebrations Make a Difference

When someone has dementia, birthday celebrations can be marked by mixed emotions. In the lead-up to the day, encourage family and friends to wish them a happy birthday and visit. While it can sometimes be challenging, the effort is often worthwhile.

Many family members show their love and appreciation in various ways. Some arrive with flowers or gifts, others call, and some send birthday cards. With today’s technology, calls and the use of FaceTime or Zoom can create special moments for everyone present. It is heartwarming to see the effort made by family and friends at birthday celebrations or any special day.

Showing gratitude to the caregiver is a touching acknowledgment of the dedication required to support someone with dementia. Caregivers are fortunate to have the support of others who listen and offer their understanding when needed.

Despite the love shown, a person’s battle with dementia can make it difficult for them to recognize who is there or even realize it is their birthday. Some family members might seem puzzled by their lack of recognition, highlighting the importance of more regular visits either in person or online to reestablish connections.

Small gestures mean the world to the person with dementia, bringing them joy. For example, the wife of a business colleague who has Behavioral Variant Frontotemporal Dementia (bvFTD) receives pop-up cards from a cousin, which she enjoys daily.

Family and friends are busy, and some are afraid or unsure how to act around someone with dementia, making it challenging to stay connected and supportive. The importance of their presence is sometimes unintentionally overlooked. Full-time caregivers deeply feel the need for more support and understanding. Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those with dementia by showing up, staying connected, and sharing in the care.