Home for the Holiday Tips When Someone You Love Has Alzheimer’s

 Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be stressful enough but add on the holidays and it can be a challenge. Below are see some great tips on how to survive the holidays.
• Decide which holiday activities and traditions are most important, and focus on those you enjoy. Try not to over extend yourself.
• Find out what is the best time of the day for your loved one and plan events or visits during that time.  People that have Alzheimer’s tire easily, especially as the disease progresses.
• Have holiday events in areas and/or locations that are familiar to your loved one. Sometimes change of environment can create more anxiety for your loved one with Alzheimer’s / dementia.
• Ask visitors to come on different days so as to not overwhelm your loved one. Sometimes too many people visiting at once can create anxiety for your loved one.
• Show your loved one pictures of people who will be visiting and talk about them
• Write out name tags for the guests—people with Alzheimer’s may recognize faces but unable to recall names so this can be a helpful.
• Inform your holiday visitors about your loved one’s condition so they know what to expect. Remember don’t be embarrassed over your loved one’s behaviors, it’s the disease not the person.
• Ask for help. When family and friends offer to help out take it or ask them for what you need. Remember you have to take care of yourself also and you family and friends love you. Even asking visitors to bring over prepared food can take a lot off your plate
• Set up a room where your loved one can retreat to if things become overwhelming
• Get your loved one involved in the preparations. If they can have them help decorate, set the table, or fold napkins.
• Sometimes less is better when it comes to holiday decorations. The calmer the environment the easier it will be for you loved one.
• Make sure the celebration includes your loved one’s favorite songs and food
• Try to keep your loved one’s routine as normal as possible this will help them feel secure.
For more information about supporting your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, contact Cyntia Drachenberg at Summerhill Villa at 661-254-9933 or visit us at www.mbkseniorliving.com.