12/16/2024
Holiday Caregiving Tips for Loved Ones Living with Dementia
While the holidays are meant to be a time of joy, laughter and family togetherness, the change in routine can be an additional stressor for those living with memory loss and other dementia. Here are a couple of ways that you can help your loved ones to enjoy the holiday season and reduce stress and anxiety.
Mindful decorating.
Decking the halls is a great visual way to spread holiday cheer and set a festive mood, but be sure to do so safely. Avoid using fake food items as décor (fake fruit, cookies or candy), as people with dementia may confuse these items with real food. Avoid using blinking lights and moving decorations as they can be disorienting to those with dementia. Perhaps reconsider changing around the seasonal layout of furniture in a room where your loved one is familiar, and be sure that all traffic areas are kept clear of clutter to avoid fall hazards.
Familiarize your guests.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia, extended family members may not notice a difference in functioning, but as the disease progresses these changes can become more apparent. If you are anticipating spending time with family that you generally only see over the holidays, let them know ahead of time what to expect, and remind them that changes in behavior and memory are because of the disease. Some light coaching about how best to communicate with individuals with memory loss can be helpful – such as not interrupting or correcting, giving the person a chance to finish their thought, etc.
Be sure to visit this page often for additional tips!
