Dementia caregivers can get tips to ease holidays during COVID-19

The holiday season can be a stressful time for dementia caregivers even in a normal year, but with COVID-19, they face even more complicated and stressful realities. In some cases, a loved one may be in a facility where they cannot receive visitors. In others, the caregiver and the person with dementia may have been isolated for months out of fear of contracting the virus. The Alzheimer’s Association has scheduled some free virtual programs to give caregivers tips for navigating this challenging time.

Caring through the Holidays will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Mondays Nov. 23 and Dec. 14. This educational series aims to help caregivers work through the many emotions that may arise during the holidays, manage expectations and honor treasured traditions while adapting to a new normal and minimizing stress.

Understanding and Responding to Dementia-Related Behavior During the Holidays will be held from 3-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25. As people with dementia lose the ability to use words, behavior becomes an important means of communication. During the holiday season, when routines tend to be disrupted, their behavior may change in challenging and unexpected ways. This program will look at what the behaviors of someone with dementia mean and how to respond to them effectively.

Caring for a Loved One During COVID-19 will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 16. This program will focus how to keep a loved one with dementia safe during the coronavirus pandemic. It will review guidelines for managing daily care safely at home and handling medical issues and doctor visits. It will also offer tips for managing stress and coping with anxiety.

To register for any of these programs, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900. Registrants will be provided information on how to participate.

These programs are supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org