Alzheimer's Disease and the Holidays
By Mary Koenig, co-administrator of The Heritage at Loretto If your loved one lives with you: Decorate your home together
Give your loved one manageable tasks like wrapping gifts and baking
Keep holiday celebrations simple and as calm as possible
Excessive blinking lights and loud music might be disorienting
Avoid holiday decorations that look like they could be eaten; avoid lit candles
Reminisce about family traditions, look through photos from holidays past
Help your loved one write holiday cards or shop for small gifts if they are expressing a desire to do soIf your loved one lives in a facility: Engage them in decorating their space for the holiday
Get involved with events that are planned at the facility and accompany your loved one
Celebrate the holiday with your loved one where they are most comfortable, they may consider the facility to be their home. Don't overwhelm them with too many visitors at once.
Visit your loved one at a time of the day that is good for them. The morning and early afternoon is often better for people with Alzheimer's Disease.
If you want your loved one to come to your home for the holiday, make the visit meaningful but brief.
Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease can get confused and disoriented when they are not in a familiar environment and when there is too much hustle and bustle. Keep in mind they might need a nap.
If you are so inclined, ask if there is a resident in need that you might be able to "adopt" for the holiday. A simple holiday card or small gift will mean the world to someone without family members to share the holiday with.
Ask someone at the facility for gift ideas: they might have suggestions like a warm robe to put on after bathing, their favorite music on a CD, etc.To learn more about specialized Alzheimer's and dementia residential care services at Loretto, visit
Loretto Heritage or call (315) 446-5718 or (315) 492-1329, ext. 836. Take care of yourself as the caregiver. Simplify and enjoy the holiday!
|
