How to Celebrate July 4th in a Dementia-Friendly Way

Fireworks and gatherings are staples of the July 4th holiday, but these can create unique challenges for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses. With Independence Day approaching, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is advising families to follow the F.O.U.R. steps to create a dementia-friendly 4th of July.

“Fireworks and loud noises can create challenges for individuals living with dementia, which is why families need to make thoughtful, proactive adjustments to help their loved ones with dementia celebrate and enjoy Independence Day,” said Jennifer Reeder, AFA’s senior director of educational and social services. “Being prepared and adaptable are the best ways caregivers can create a dementia-friendly 4th of July for their loved ones.”

AFA encourages caregivers to follow the F.O.U.R. steps to create a dementia-friendly 4th of July:

Forgo the Fireworks

Fireworks and loud explosions can be distressing for someone living with dementia. If your loved one is also a war veteran, keep in mind that fireworks noise can be triggering and misinterpreted as gunshots or bombs. Consider keeping the person indoors at times when they are likely to hear fireworks. Adapt the fireworks tradition by watching a fireworks display on TV, (keeping attuned to your loved one’s level of comfort with the televised fireworks), using glow sticks or setting up festive lighting.

Organize & Be Prepared 

Even if you’re inside, the noise and explosions of nearby fireworks can cause anxiety, fear or agitation for someone living with dementia. Prepare your loved one by explaining to them that there may be loud noises and continue doing so gently at different intervals. If there is a space in the home that is insulated from the noise, that is the best environment. Soothing background sounds such as air conditioners or white noise machines can help keep the person relaxed if fireworks are going off nearby. Playing familiar, favorite music at a low volume can also ease stress. Having favorite comfort items/objects on hand (i.e., blanket, article of clothing, etc.) will help provide additional support. Check in on your loved one during the night if they live with you. If they live alone, consider asking a trusted relative or friend to stay with them, or hire an in home caregiver for the night.

Understated Gatherings Work Best 

Large crowds can be experienced as overwhelming and disorienting for someone living with dementia. If you are hosting a gathering, keep it small and limit guests to a few family members and/or close friends. Consider providing name tags for everyone to help the person. Because of the possibility of sundowning, lunchtime celebrations may work best as there will be less anxiety or confusion at this time of day. Keep the person’s routine as normal as possible, including mealtimes, naptimes and bedtimes. Incorporate favorite activities into the day.

Revise How You Celebrate

While fireworks and large crowds should be avoided, living with dementia doesn’t mean that someone cannot celebrate Independence Day. Making patriotic decorations or crafts, playing or singing familiar patriotic music, baking 4th of July themed desserts or looking through a family album with pictures of past Independence Day celebrations are all dementia-friendly activities. As an added benefit, caregivers and their loved ones can do them together, creating a connection and providing cognitive stimulation and an opportunity for creativity.

Families with questions or concerns can speak with a licensed social worker through AFA’s Helpline by calling (866) 232-8484, sending a text message to (646) 586-5283 or web chatting at alzfdn.org. The helpline is open seven days a week.