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With the Fourth of July just around the corner, the fireworks’ scattered sounds are becoming more prominent. It is essential to remember that as fun as it can be to hear the booms and the crackles, this definitely can be a horrifying experience for animals, as well as those who have PTSD, such as individuals who fought in a war.
These individuals who fought in combat, Police officers and other essential workers who protect and serve, as well as those who have dementia; the sounds can cause anxiety and upset due to cognitive changes of unawareness that it is a holiday, as well as can trigger PTSD due to various sounds create a trigger that can upset an older adult in this situation.
If you are a caregiver and you are looking for a way to have a festive Fourth of July without the stress and strain on your loved one, making sure they can retain that the Fourth of July is going to be soon will help them prepare for the loud noises. It will also help to possibly reduce their eagerness to search and find where the noises are coming from.
Due to some older adults eloping, if you have an issue with your loved one leaving on their own with no acknowledgment that they are going, you may want to be more observant that your loved one could leave to break the curiosity of where the sound is coming from.
With this comes safety. Do not allow your loved one to drift off, walk away or push the issue if possible.
Suppose your loved one wants to leave due to the noise of the people visiting, which is causing them to be upset. Have individuals engage the loved one, keeping them entertained and enjoying this event.
Those older adults who have PTSD or have been in the military could compare the fireworks to gunfire or combat. If it seems that your loved one is anxious, try to have them wear earplugs or headphones to listen to music while they are watching the festivities to help reduce the sounds that could cause upset.
Reduce any items, such as decorations or outdoor decorations, as much as possible that could create a fall hazard. It's possible to have a gathering as just a family instead of a large group. In that case, it may help your loved one stay more at ease due to anxiety about not being familiar with all the individuals participating and all the commotion happening.
Have more senior-friendly events at your gathering, such as craft making and participating in an annual tradition with family at a family member’s home.
You do not have to give up and have a fireworks-free event because your loved one has dementia, and the noises could upset them. Make sure you begin days in advance to bring up favorite memories of you and your loved one together for the Fourth of July holiday to help them remember that the holiday can be fun and safe for them.
For your loved ones who battle with Sundown Syndrome, it is best to have a caregiver stay with them due to the possibility of having an instance while an event is taking place. Due to the possible large bangs and sounds, make sure that you advise your caregiver that your loved one needs to be monitored more closely for this holiday because it can cause some stress, anxiety, or agitation and trigger upset, especially if they have PTSD.
Suppose your loved one lives in an apartment or has nearby neighbors. In that case, you may also want to advise them about your loved one so they can work with you to devise a suitable plan, and your loved one can stay at peace while their neighbor enjoys their holiday.
If having a Fourth of July event with your loved one could cause more distress than it is worth, you could also make different plans and have your Fourth of July celebration focusing on a completely different activity than fireworks. You can also make plans with the family for a firework-free event.
I pray that everyone has a blessed Fourth of July and stay safe. God bless.
Roberta Cykon is a Youngstown State University graduate and a licensed social worker and gerontologist. Roberta is in her second three-year term with the Trumbull County Senior Service Advisory Council. If you have any topics or questions you would like Roberta to discuss email her at rmcykon01@gmail.com.