Celebrate a Memory-Friendly 4th of July

The rockets’ red glare may be a captivating sight in the 4th of July skies, but the accompanying booms and all of the holiday hustle and bustle can also cause distress.

It’s common to hear about protecting kids and skittish pets while 4^th of July festivities unfold, but there’s another group that is equally deserving of special care and attention. Individuals with memory loss, dementia and other cognitive challenges benefit from a caring approach that makes the holiday more enjoyable and inclusive.

With a little extra attention to detail, you can create a memory-friendly 4^th of July celebration while minimizing overstimulation from noise, crowds and sensory overload.

How Holidays Can Help Older Adults with Memory Loss or Dementia

If you’re worried about a loved one’s reaction to a loud party, you may be inclined to skip the celebration. Or you might forge ahead with your plans, leaving a loved one experiencing memory loss or dementia off the guest list. However well-intentioned those sentiments may be, holidays provide valuable opportunities for older adults to maintain a sense of connection to their loved ones and the larger community.

It’s true that the dazzling lights, excessive noise and overall ambiance of a party can trigger a meltdown fueled by fear or anxiety. However, organizing a memory-friendly 4^th of July can actually be a blessing for someone experiencing memory loss or dementia.

For instance, taking part in a 4^th of July celebration can stimulate fond nostalgic memories of patriotic parties in the past. A family gathering is also an opportunity to engage with others and reinforce the social connections that are so important for older adults’ emotional health.

With potential benefits to offset the challenges, you can confidently proceed with your party planning. Just know you may need to make a few adjustments along the way to accommodate a memory-friendly 4^th of July.

Hosting a Dementia-Friendly 4^th of July

Part of the responsibility that comes with hosting a party is making sure all of your guests feel welcome and comfortable. If you’ll be entertaining someone who is experiencing memory loss or dementia and may be sensitive to all of the excitement, you may appreciate these overstimulation prevention tips:

Enlist a co-host. Organizing and hosting a party is a big job in its own right. If your loved one becomes overstimulated or needs extra attention, you’ll be grateful to have someone else who can step in to help.

Watch for cues. Pay attention to your loved one’s mood. While some elements of the celebration (such as loud fireworks) could be an instantaneous trigger, you may also notice your loved one becoming gradually uncomfortable or agitated and be able to intervene.

Incorporate familiar details. Favorite foods and traditions—even a favorite spot in a familiar yard—can help surface happy memories that make your loved one feel more secure.

Avoid going overboard. Keeping your celebration to a moderate scale will help keep you from getting overwhelmed with the added responsibility of watching out for your loved one. It’s also a good idea to plan for a lower-key event that doesn’t overwhelm someone who may be sensitive to bigger crowds and noise.

Have backup plans in place. If you’re concerned about your loved one growing agitated, create contingency plans to address the possibilities. For example, arrange for periodic breaks to let your loved one regroup and rest. Consider having a safe, quiet place where you can retreat indoors if the outdoor fireworks get to be too much. If necessary, talk with your loved one’s care team or physician to get advice based on their specific needs.

Practice Inclusion with Care

While planning ahead for potential problems is a smart, caring approach, you may be pleasantly surprised by your loved one’s reaction to all the revelry. If they’re eager to participate, do your part to encourage their engagement!

• Talk to your loved one before the event, explaining what they can expect throughout the celebration, including aspects that may raise concern. Continue with periodic gentle reminders and offer reassurance about moments that may be upsetting before they happen. (“Mom, Jimmy is going out to light a few firecrackers now. You’ll hear some popping noises, but it’s nothing to worry about. We’ll stay inside and I’ll be right here with you.”)
• Invite them to join in the fun by wearing a patriotic shirt or donning patriotic party favors like hats or headbands.
• Allow them to get hands-on by joining some of the younger partygoers in throwing poppers or waving sparklers.
• Have noise-cancelling headphones available that allow your loved one to enjoy the fireworks without the full impact of the big booms.
• Encourage your loved one to have a comfort item or a fidget toy to help calm and regulate them if the day grows overwhelming.
• If the dazzling lights of the fireworks are a potential concern, find a festive pair of patriotic sunglasses that let your loved one have a little fun while diffusing the vibrant glare.
• Consider hosting a sensory-friendly Independence Day lunch that your loved one can attend and enjoy before retiring for the night and avoiding potential sundowner effects.

Celebrate with Low-Key Activities

If a loved one who is navigating memory loss or dementia isn’t up for the bright lights and loud bangs that come with a traditional 4^th of July, you may find it just as enjoyable to find other activities to celebrate the holiday together. Here are some calm fireworks alternatives to consider:

• Watching a fireworks show on TV, in the safe, familiar comfort of home, whether it’s their own or a loved one’s place they’ve visited before
• Leaning into the power of music to tap into memories and forgotten joy
• Popping some popcorn and enjoying patriotic movies together
• Getting hands-on to create some patriotic crafts your loved one can proudly display at home
• Finding a drone or laser light show in your community that is created for those with special sensory needs in mind

Make Health and Safety Part of Your Party Plan

When including an older adult with memory loss or dementia in your 4^th of July celebration, remember that their physical safety requires special attention along with their mental and emotional needs.

• If you’ll be spending time outdoors, be sure to reapply sunscreen at regular intervals.
• Also consider bug spray; older adults’ fragile skin and weaker immune systems don’t pair well with bug bites.
• Be conscious of the weather and ensure your loved one has the opportunity to cool off periodically and, if possible, find a comfortable spot in the shade.
• Remember that older adults are more susceptible to dehydration than younger partygoers, so make sure they have plenty to drink (preferably low in sugar and non-alcoholic).
• Avoid leaving your loved one unattended, especially if it’s an unfamiliar setting or there’s any chance of them wandering away.

No matter how you ultimately decide to honor the 4^th of July, taking time to consider the special needs of a loved one who is navigating memory loss or dementia will make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone involved. With thoughtful touches and preparations tailored to your loved one’s needs, you’ll be able to help mitigate any anxiety that arises so you can spend quality time together making lasting memories.