The upcoming coronation will be a big event in a lot of people’s lives. Many people will want to celebrate as a family or friendship group with multiple generations of people coming together to celebrate. For some with Dementia-related illnesses, large gatherings or events can be overwhelming but there is no need for them to miss out on all of the fun. Here is our guide to making your coronation celebrations suitable for those with Dementia or Alzheimer’s.

 

Creating Memories and Looking Back

For many people with Dementia, this may not be the first coronation they have been lucky enough to celebrate and they may still have fond memories of the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. Using these memories can be a great way to help connect with your loved one during coronation celebrations using visual prompts or perhaps a 50’s-theme to get them talking about how they might have celebrated the first time around. 

 

There are plenty of practical activities you can use to celebrate the coronation with your loved one including things such as old-fashioned sing-alongs or crown making sessions. Holding an afternoon tea could also be a fun way to celebrate with an older relative as it requires little effort. If your friend or loved one like sewing or other crafty projects, it might be nice to get them involved in creating decorations such as bunting or decorated plates if they are able. Even things as simple as watching the coronation together and talking about memories of the royal family can be a great way to get someone with dementia involved in the coronation.

 

Practical Arrangements for Celebrating the Coronation

There are plenty of ways people may be celebrating the coronation, each of them unique. If you will be celebrating outside, perhaps for a Coronation-themed garden party or taking part in The Big Lunch, putting things in place to make your friend or relative with Dementia feel comfortable is key to helping everyone enjoy the event together. With the ceremony itself being televised on the day and a special concert being held on the Sunday, getting involved with the celebrations in your own way is simple.

 

For many older people, the cold is more of an issue and whilst it may not feel cold to you, your relative may be too cold or too warm and unable to tell you. To plan ahead for this, try to make sure they are dressed in layers that they can take off or put on according to how they are feeling and the temperature outside. Making sure they are wrapped up warm with a blanket is always a good start for outdoor events and you may want to consider a gazebo or other covered space for coronation events such as garden parties.

 

Whether your coronation party will be indoors or outdoors, try to make sure there is a quiet space in which the person with Dementia can be moved to or go to if they feel a bit overwhelmed. For many with Dementia or Alzheimers, being around lots of people or noise can be a stressful time so it is a good idea to be mindful of this and have a quiet space where they can calm down. A gentle hand hold or a hug can often be enough to comfort someone with Dementia but do be prepared to help them leave the event if it proves too much.

 

Further Help for Those With Dementia

If you are looking for further advice or guidance for Dementia-related conditions, Age UK has a fantastic range of helpful articles, as does our very own Select Healthcare blog. If you are ready to take the next step and look at moving into a care home or respite care, contact our team now to find out more.

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