The Importance of a Smile in Your Alzheimer’s World

So often you are rushed and stressed this time of year as you finish  shopping, attend school holiday programs, do extra baking, possibly deal with stormy weather and exercise patience with the Alzheimer’s patient under your care.

While you’re scurrying about, remember the importance of a smile.

1. Smiling makes you feel better.  Yes, admit it…even if you don’t want to!

2.  A smile comes through in your voice.

3. A smile and “smiling” voice helps improve the mood of those around you.

4.  Smiles erupt into laughter and humor.

5. Alzheimer’s patients enjoy smiles and laughter, too.  “We don’t laugh enough,” my mom once remarked, when hubby and I were chuckling over a situation that could have been frustrating.

6.  A smile usually brings one in return.

7.  Put smiley faces on notes and correspondence.

8. Tuck little cards with smiling faces into lunch boxes, gifts, and sock drawers.

9.  Have a smiley face tea pot ready with a refreshing drink and chat.  My mom enjoyed a cup of tea and muffin long into her Alzheimer’s journey.

10.  Play cheery music, interspersed with holiday music to buoy spirits and moods.

11. Smile when answering the phone and use a lively voice.  The smile comes across as you talk, I’ve been told, and makes people answer you more pleasantly.

12. Wear clothes that make you feel cheery.  Dress the Alzheimer’s patient in clothing they enjoy (if they notice) or at least make you feel complimentary toward them.  

Again….keep a SMILE on your face, in your voice…and in your fingers  as you go about caregiving tasks. 

(c)Mary Emma Allen