The Holidays can be times of great joy and meaning, but can also be a struggle for those caring for an older adult or someone with dementia.
The following tips are meant as a guide to help caregivers and their loved ones enjoy the holidays.
• Plan ahead. Discuss holiday plans with family and friends. Consider smaller gatherings, earlier in the day. If possible, try to stick to your regular sleep schedule. Don’t forget a nap if the day will be long.
• Set limits. It’s okay to say no to a gathering if it will be too stressful for your loved one with dementia or for you. Decide which holiday traditions are most important and focus on those that you enjoy.
• Ask for help. If you are having company in your own home, be sure to have someone to help care for your or visit with your loved while you are in the kitchen or entertaining guests. Friends and Family often want to help; let someone do your dishes or laundry if they offer.
• Engage your loved one in the planning. Whenever possible, get input from your loved one. Assign them a simple task to do like setting the table, washing the vegetables or folding the napkins. When people are purposefully engaged, they feel good about themselves.
• Help your guests engage with your loved one. Familiar music and family photo albums are a great starting point for a conversation. Talking about shared memories of the past are also a great way to connect. Remind family members that although your loved one may not remember their name, a warm greeting and a friendly smile are always welcome.
• Encourage “smart” gift giving. Practical gifts might include comfortable, easy to remove clothing, CDs of favorite music, or a contribution to a caregiver respite fund.
• Take it easy. Remember that the holidays are meant to be enjoyable. That means different things to different people and your meaning may have changed. Trust your instincts and enjoy festivities on your own terms.