As we approach the holidays and begin planning festivities with family and friends, some of us must decide how best to include a family member receiving Alzheimer’s care.
Holiday activities mean a departure from the daily routine and can be upsetting for people with Alzheimer’s or other dementia, who may feel confused, frustrated or fearful. At the same time, the holidays provide an opportunity for them to see familiar faces and reminisce, which may be comforting to someone who feels isolated from day-to-day family life.
Planning is important—here’s some advice
Though such gatherings can present new and emotional challenges, with some foresight and preparation, they can be managed satisfactorily with everyone’s best interests in mind.
Country Meadows Retirement Communities has advice for families challenged with how to care for loved ones with dementia, and we recommend it to those hosting or visiting someone with Alzheimer’s during the holidays. Our tips cover visiting, reconnecting and creating meaningful moments with those who are receiving dementia care, whether in their own residence, a senior living community, personal care home, nursing home or memory care center.
A few selected tips are:
– Plan events for when your loved ones with dementia are at their best.
– Make eye contact with them, and address them by name.
– Share memories and family photos.
– Listen closely to them, and accept what is said without judgment.
– Ensure the time with them is unrushed and relaxed.
– Include familiar foods, favorite music and preferred games or puzzles in the time together.
– Stay physically close to them and use nurturing touch if they are comfortable with that.
– Thank them for the visit and let them know when you will see them again.
In addition, the Alzheimer’s Association, Country Meadows’ partner for support groups and educational programs, offers helpful guidance for families dealing with Alzheimer’s during holiday celebrations.
For example:
– Familiarize others with the situation. Let family members know in advance what to expect when they see their relative with Alzheimer’s.
– Adjust expectations. Simplify and adapt plans as needed to accommodate the needs of the Alzheimer’s patient and caregivers.
– Involve the person with dementia. Involve him or her with simple preparations if possible and continue traditions that may be meaningful to him or her.
– Adapt gift giving: Encourage safe, useful, understandable gifts for the person with dementia. (The Alzheimer’s Association has tips for selecting gifts for people with dementia.)
Connections Memory Support Services
At Country Meadows, we realize that confusion and memory loss during senior living can be unsettling and debilitating for people who are affected. That’s why we developed our Connections Memory Support Services, which has cared for more than 10,000 people over the last 20 years in our retirement homes.
If you or a loved one might benefit from Country Meadows’ Connections program, please read our information, view our video or contact one of our locations.
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