Neighbor News
Dementia and the Holidays
Here are a few tips to keep the holidays enjoyable when a family member has dementia.
An individual with a dementia can be easily overwhelmed by all of the activities of holiday celebrations and become overly anxious, depressed or more confused.
Most individuals with dementia do relatively well with set routines and naturally pull back from extra activities that might tax their memory or set them up for failure. Sometimes a refusal of an invitation that was previously enjoyed can be an early “red flag” for families that something is changing in their elder family member’s cognition.
A few tips to keep the holidays enjoyable:
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1) Set up one holiday decoration in your family member’s home as a family activity. Don’t mention that you are doing it because he or she can’t.
2) Tell him or her not to worry about gifts, you will assist them in finding gift cards – give an excuse that the kids like to shop for themselves or it is so challenging to find the right sizes. Help him or her sign cards and stuff the gift cards into them. Do some of your cards at the same time.
3) Family gatherings can overwhelm and loud noise can increase agitation and anxiety. So, if you are bringing mom or dad over for a holiday meal – pick them up just before and return him or her right after dessert. However, if he or she is enjoying the company of little ones, play it by observation – the key is be aware of their behavior.
4) Your holiday gifts might include a phone that is easy to use, sweatsuits that are easy to dress in, and maybe a “housekeeper” once a week that really is a caregiver that can expand her time to do more as mom or dad needs more help.
5) Reduce alcohol use or eliminate it from your celebrations – alcohol only complicates and endangers those with dementias.
6) Try to reduce the sugar laden treats as well – it is easy to be over-exposed to the treats of the season. Have lots of fresh fruits available.
If you notice during this holiday season that your loved one with dementia is showing signs of worsening decline, please reach out to us at Eldercare Services for a complimentary assessment. We can help put needed supports and resources into place to improve the safety and comfort of your loved one, and lessen your worries. Click here to contact us today!
By Linda Fodrini-Johnson, MA, MFT, CMC
