The holiday season, so often filled with joy and togetherness, can bring unique challenges when you’re caring for a relative with dementia. However, thoughtful planning makes it possible to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences for everyone involved. Understanding the complexities of Alzheimer’s care and tailoring your approach can make the holidays more comfortable and joyous.
Our team at Legacy Ridge is sharing valuable tips for celebrating the holidays with someone with dementia, ensuring the season remains warm and memorable for all.
Adjusting Expectations
It’s essential to recognize your family member’s current stage of dementia and set realistic expectations for the holiday season. This understanding can help create a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Expecting too much from your relative or yourself can lead to unnecessary stress. Accept that things might not go exactly as planned and that flexibility is key. Simplifying traditions and focusing on what matters most—spending quality time together—can make the holidays more manageable.
Connecting Through Technology
In our digital age, technology offers wonderful opportunities to connect with distant family and friends, especially during the holidays. Utilize video calls to allow your relative to see and interact with other family members who can’t be there in person. Sharing holiday moments through photos and videos can also help bridge the gap, making them feel included in the celebrations.
Technology can also provide opportunities for virtual holiday programming. For instance, you can organize a virtual holiday sing-along or a cooking session where everyone participates from their own homes. These can create a sense of togetherness and inclusion, even when physical distance is a barrier.
Familiarizing Others with the Situation
Educating family and friends about your relative’s dementia and the changes they might notice is essential for a supportive holiday. Before gatherings, communicate openly about the person’s condition, explaining what behavior might be expected and how they can best interact with them.
Providing specific guidelines can help others understand how to engage meaningfully. For instance, suggest speaking slowly and clearly, using direct eye contact, and avoiding overwhelming stimuli. When everyone is informed and prepared, it creates a more comfortable space for your family member and enhances their ability to enjoy the festivities.
Involving the Person with Dementia
Including your relative in holiday preparations can be incredibly rewarding. Simple and enjoyable programming can provide a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Consider involving them in tasks like decorating cookies, setting the table, or wrapping gifts.
Doing hobbies that they enjoy and can participate in can also be beneficial. If your family member has always enjoyed music, play their favorite holiday tunes and encourage them to sing along. These small actions can make them feel valued and included, enriching their holiday experience.
Adapting Gifts
Choosing the right gifts for someone with dementia involves careful consideration. Opt for presents that are safe, meaningful, and engaging. Items that stimulate the senses or evoke positive memories can be particularly effective.
Sensory stimulation gifts could include soft blankets, scented candles, or textured items. Reminiscence-focused gifts might involve photo albums, memory books, or familiar music. The aim is to find gifts that bring comfort, joy, and a sense of connection to their past.
Keeping a Routine
Familiarity and consistency can reduce anxiety and confusion. While holidays often bring disruptions, try to plan events around your family member’s usual schedule.
For example, if your family member is accustomed to a mid-morning walk, try to keep that activity even on busy days. Planning holiday meals and gatherings at times that align with their regular routine can also help them feel more at ease. Ensuring they have regular rest periods, especially on eventful days, is equally important for their well-being.
–
The holidays and dementia don’t need to be mutually exclusive. Celebrating special occasions with a relative facing the complexities of Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia requires patience, understanding, and thoughtful adjustments. By following some or all of the tips mentioned above, you can create meaningful and enjoyable experiences. The holidays are a time for connection and joy, and with these tips, you can ensure that your family member with dementia feels included and cherished.
Remember, the essence of the holidays lies in the moments of togetherness and love. To learn more about the Alzheimer’s care we provide at Legacy Ridge, we invite you to visit our website or contact a member of our team.
