Alzheimer's Patients May Need Help Celebrating the Holidays
by Cumberland Times-News:
For the millions of families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America is providing tips on how to adapt holiday gatherings to make them as enjoyable as possible for someone living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness.
“Having Alzheimer’s doesn’t mean the holidays can’t still be enjoyable and special,” said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., AFA’s president and CEO. “By making a few adaptations and preparations, family caregivers can help their loved ones living with Alzheimer’s have a happy holiday celebration.”
• Find ways to maintain the person’s involvement in the holiday celebration.If they are used to doing the holiday cooking, invite them into the preparation process. If they enjoyed music, play some of their favorite holiday songs or ones from their favorite era.
• Build on past traditions and find new ways to connect. Share old family photos with the person and reminisce.Create new traditions; find things they are able to do and enjoy, such as looking at neighborhood holiday lights or listening to music, and spend time doing it with them.
To the greatest extent possible, ask the person what traditions are important to them, so you can prioritize and plan.
• Be sensitive to the individual’s needs. Excess stimuli can be challenging for someone living with dementia, which is why it’s important to take the environment into account ahead of time.
Be aware of the person’s sensitivity to factors such as crowds and loud noises and try to plan celebrations in a way that minimizes those stresses.
Be mindful of over-decorating, as too many flickering lights or decorations can lead to overstimulation or disorientation. Have comforting items and activities available to help.
• Maintain the person’s normal routine. If the person usually takes an afternoon walk, build in time for that. If they go to bed earlier in the evening, hold the celebration earlier in the day so that everyone can participate.
• Be open. Consider sharing beneficial information with family and friends regarding the person’s health prior to a gathering, especially with those who do not see that individual regularly
• Plan travel appropriately. Make arrangements that are comfortable and realistic. Take into account whether they travel better at a specific time of day.