The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of activity, cherished traditions, and time spent with family and friends. For those caring for people living with dementia, however, this time of year can feel complicated. Balancing the seasonal festivities with the needs of a loved one with dementia requires thoughtful planning and a new perspective. Our guide below offers practical tips to help you create a joyful and peaceful holiday season for everyone, including your family member living with memory loss.
How Dementia Can Impact the Holidays
The holidays are a time of heightened sensory experiences—bright lights, loud music, and crowded rooms. For a person with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, this can be overwhelming and a sudden change in their environment. The break from routine and the pressure of social events can lead to confusion, anxiety, or agitation. Memory loss may also mean your loved one doesn’t recognize a close family member or remember past holiday traditions, which can be hard to navigate.
Acknowledging these potential challenges is the first step. Remember that you are not alone in dealing with these new expectations. The goal isn’t to recreate holidays of the past but to adapt and find other ways to connect with your loved one despite their diagnosis. By setting realistic expectations, you can reduce stress and focus on creating positive holiday memories.
Tip 1: Plan Ahead for Smoother Celebrations
Thoughtful holiday plans can make all the difference. Start by considering your loved one’s current abilities and personality. Are they more comfortable in smaller groups? Do they experience confusion or agitation during the later hours of the day, also known as sundowning? Follow these insights to shape your holiday celebrations moving forward.
Instead of one large family gathering, consider several smaller, shorter visits. This can prevent overstimulation and create more meaningful interactions. When planning, communicate with family and friends about what to expect. A simple email or phone call can help manage expectations and explain why you’re adjusting certain holiday traditions. Let them know how they can best interact with your loved one to ensure a positive experience for everyone.
Tip 2: Still Involve Your Loved One in Festivities
Finding ways to involve your loved one living with dementia can help them feel valued and connected. The key is to choose simple, complication-free activities that bring them merriment. Consider these ideas:
- Decorating: Invite them to hang a few ornaments, arrange a centerpiece, or place some decorations around the house. Try opting for durable decor made of lightweight materials to ensure a safer experience. Also, be sure to introduce these changes to their environment gradually and over the course of a few days.
- Holiday Cards: Involve them in signing a holiday card or adding stickers to envelopes. This is a simple, seated activity that taps into a familiar tradition.
- Put on Music: Play their favorite holiday songs from their younger years. Music can be incredibly powerful for those with memory loss, often sparking happy memories.
- Help Baking: Let them assist with tasks like stirring the batter or frosting the cookies. Focus on the sensory experience—the smells, the textures, the tastes—rather than the finished product.
By adapting your favorite activities, you can involve the person in a way that is comfortable and enjoyable for them.
Tip 3: Prioritize Self-Care for the Caregiver
Caring for a loved one with dementia is demanding, especially as the family caregiver, and the added hustle and bustle of the holiday season can quickly lead to caregiver burnout. Prioritizing your own well-being is crucial.
Make time for yourself, even if it’s just 15 minutes a day. Take a short walk, listen to a podcast, or simply enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Delegate tasks to other family members, whether it’s cooking a dish, running errands, or spending an hour with your loved one, so you can have a break to recharge. Remember, caring for a loved one with dementia can be a team effort, and there’s strength in asking for help.
Tip 4: Create New, Meaningful Traditions
While it can be sad to let go of cherished holiday traditions, you can always create new ones that are just as meaningful and better suited to your current situation.
Perhaps your big holiday dinner becomes an intimate brunch. Maybe you’ll look through old photo albums together or watch a classic holiday movie. Instead of the hecticness of opening presents in a large group, have a small gift swap. The most important thing is spending quality time in a calm and loving environment. Let go of the need for holiday perfection and embrace the simple moments that bring comfort and happiness to your entire family.
Tip 5: Take What You’ve Learned and Enjoy the Holidays
The intersection of holidays and dementia presents unique challenges, but it doesn’t have to mean forgoing the celebration of the season. By planning ahead, adapting traditions, and focusing on connection, you can create a holiday filled with love, relaxation, and cherished moments for you and your loved ones.
Rest Assured When It Comes to Your Senior Living Choice
When you and your family need help finding the best senior living options, Silver Bridges Consulting is only one call away. We understand your needs are urgent, especially when caring for a loved one with dementia, which is why we prioritize same-day responses. Just make your initial request and you’ll immediately get help finding senior living solutions that are the best fit for you or your loved one, whether you are searching for:
- Independent living
- Assisted living
- Memory care
