Solar Eclipse Resources for People Living With Dementia

The total solar eclipse in Indiana on April 8, 2024 may present unique challenges for people living with dementia. These resources are intended to offer guidance for them and their care partners.

About the Solar Eclipse

The total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 can be experienced in Indiana between 3:01 and 3:12 p.m. ET.

What is a solar eclipse?

A solar eclipse happens when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting the Moon’s shadow on Earth.

What happens during a solar eclipse?

The sky will darken during the daytime, and it may get colder outside for about four minutes.

Where will the solar eclipse be visible in Indiana?

View the path of totality through Indiana: https://youtu.be/qZRvspi6vLQ

It’s important to protect your eyes!

A solar eclipse is exciting, but looking directly at the Sun is dangerous. Learn how to safely view the solar eclipse.

Shelby County solar eclipse glasses:

The Shelby County Eclipse Committee plans to deliver safety glasses to each nursing facility and assisted living facility in the county. Homebound residents can also receive deliveries. Please contact Buffy Powers at Infinity Home Care Plus at (317) 825-3115 or SCAAC at scaacin@gmail.com.

Preparing for the solar eclipse

Limit travel, if possible, from Friday, April 4 to Tuesday, April 9, 2024. Expect highways and freeways to be extra busy with thousands of vistors. Here are some steps you can take to avoid traveling on these days.

  • Visit grocery store before or schedule grocery delivery.
  • Pick up medications before or schedule delivery.
  • Fill up gas tank.
  • Avoid scheduling personal appointments during these days.

Check local TV and radio stations for weather, travel and safety reports as eclipse day approaches.

NASA Total Solar Eclipse FAQ

The Solar Eclipse & People Living With Dementia

Dementia is a general term for changes in memory, communication, language, problem-solving, judgement, senses, personality, behavior and mood. These changes can be severe enough to impact a person’s daily life.

Alzheimer’s Disease is the most common cause of dementia, but there are many different types – Lewy Body, Frontotemporal, Vascular, mixed dementia and more.

How to Support a Loved One with Dementia During the Total Solar Eclipse

If the person cannot safely watch the total solar eclipse, please consider making their space as comfortable and safe as possible.

  • Avoid very dark spaces as people living with dementia may fear darkness or become confused if they cannot see well.
  • Provide soft, indirect light by using wall washers or translucent light fixtures or coverings to prevent irritating shadows.
  • Avoid harsh overhead lighting.
  • Encourage engagement in multisensory activities:
  • Stay as close to their routine as possible to reduce confusion and agitation.
  • If you must travel to a public space, consider having companion cards on hand.
    • These can be great to share with people working at the checkout at a grocery store, servers in restaurants, nurses in a doctor’s office, and bank tellers.

Support and Resources for People Living with Dementia and Care Partners

Dementia Friends Indiana
Become A Friend

CICOA Aging & In-Home Solutions
Aging & Disability Resource Center: 317-803-6131
www.cicoa.org

Dementia Friendly Communities across Indiana and the United States
dfindiana.org
dfamerica.org

Alzheimer’s Association – Greater Indiana Chapter
24/7 Helpline: 800-272-3900
Community Resources: www.communityresourcefinder.org
On-Demand Education Programs: training.alz.org

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
National Toll-Free Helpline: 866-232-8484
alzfdn.org

The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration
HelpLine: 866-507-7222
theaftd.org

Lewy Body Dementia Association
Lewy Line: 800-539-9767
lbda.org

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