If you have a loved one living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the holidays can be challenging. Let Morning Pointe Senior Living and The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Centers of Excellence share some tips for making this season easier on you and your loved one… so you can create meaningful moments.
Adjust Expectations
Make sure everyone understands your caregiver situation and has realistic expectations about what you can and cannot do. Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage.
Involve the Person with Dementia
Holiday Activities – Involve your loved one in safe, manageable holiday preparation activites.
Keep the Routine – Maintain the person’s normal routine so holiday preparations don’t become disruptive or confusing.
Build on Past Traditions and Memories – Your family member may find comfort in singing old holiday songs, for example.
Adapt Gift Giving
Giving Useful Gifts – Encourage people to buy useful gifts for your loved one, such as an identification bracelet; comfortable, easy-to-remove-clothing; favorite music; lotions; videos; and photo albums or framed photos.
Get Them Involved – Depending on your loved one’s abilities, get him or her involved in giving or wrapping gifts.
Try to Be Flexible
Scheduling – Find a time for your holiday event that works best for your loved one; for example, if your loved one becomes agitated in the evening (sundowning), try getting together earlier in the day.
Make Things Easy – Simplifying holiday plans can make for a more satisfying experience for you and your loved one.
From all of us at Morning Pointe, we wish you and your loved one a merry Christmas and happy holidays!
