Summer Fun in Kansas City for People with Alzheimer’s

May 28, 2018

It’s almost summer in Kansas City! The days are getting longer. It’s getting warmer. And you’re longing to go outside and soak up some sunshine or enjoy the warm night air.

If you’re caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you may be wondering how they can also enjoy summer in Kansas City. Here are some activities you can try:

Have a barbecue. You’re in Kansas City!!! Invite some family members over and throw something on the grill! Or order carry out from your favorite barbecue restaurant. Ask everyone to bring a dish to share so you don’t have to spend the day cooking. Make sure you find a shady spot for the person who has Alzheimer’s and help him or her apply sunscreen.

Plan a family reunion.  Rent a shelter at a Kansas City Park so your family will have some privacy. If you’re inviting people who haven’t seen the person with Alzheimer’s for some time, make sure you give them an update on your loved one’s condition. Sing some songs. Play some games. Share old pictures. Do whatever your family used to do when you all got together.

Go to a show. Outdoor shows like those at StarlightTheatre in the Park or the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival are a great way to enjoy a warm summer evening in Kansas City. My mom, who had Alzheimer’s, loved shows and didn’t seem to mind the crowds. But we always made sure she had a seat where she wasn’t surrounded by people. It might be best to arrive close to showtime when people are mostly settled in. Try to get a seat on the aisle or anywhere that your loved one won’t feel boxed in.

Do an art walk. If the person with dementia enjoys art, why not do a local art walk? The Kansas City Crossroads Arts District has an art walk every first Friday. The Englewood Station Arts District has their art walk every third Friday. Depending on which one you go to, there may be artist demonstrations, music or other entertainment, and even some food trucks.

Have lunch on the Plaza. Go during the week, and ask for an outdoor table in the shade so there will be less noise,

Watch the fireworks. You’ll want to be conscious of how sensitive your loved one is to noise, but there’s no reason someone with dementia can’t enjoy a Kansas City fireworks display. To avoid the crowds and lessen the noise, watch from your own back yard if there are good displays in your neighborhood. If not, drive to a local fireworks display and watch the show from your car.

Get some help. If you’re spending so much time trying to help your loved one who has Alzheimer’s with routine daily activities that you don’t have the time or energy to enjoy the Kansas City summer, get help from a Kansas City home health agency that specializes in working with people who have Alzheimer’s.

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