Get Ready for the Holidays!
Dear Caregivers,
If you are like me, anticipating the coming of the fall/winter holiday season comes with a flood of joy, tinged with just the tiniest bit of dread. I love the thought of being with family, friends, and neighbors, seeing the bright lights and decorations, and celebrating the overall festive nature of the times. But then there is the slightly nagging bloat of my growing “to do” list, the anxious feeling of the need to orchestrate, delegate, and plan, and the overall sense that there will never be enough time to do it all.
And of course, for caregivers of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, the potential challenges are even greater. Your loved one may become tired, confused, or agitated during large family gatherings. They may respond negatively to increased noise, discomfited by changes in their day-to-day schedule, and grow frustrated by memory lapses.
Still, it is important to remember, as I do every year, that all this is a true labor of love. The holidays are a time so savor the community connections that support us all year round. It’s also a time for the extended family that your loved one has spent a lifetime nurturing to show their appreciation for these contributions. With a little bit of planning, and a lot of flexibility, you can embrace the joys of the season, avoid some of its pitfalls, and truly celebrate your loved one and the holiday spirit.
Read on for more advice for the holidays:
How to Help Your Loved One Enjoy the Holiday Season:
The typical chaos, excitement, and joy of the holiday season can be overwhelming for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. But with a little planning ahead, you can make holiday gatherings more enjoyable and less stressful for all involved. Here's how.
Traveling with Your Loved One:
Travel can be an especially challenging activity for your loved one. Still, with careful planning and consideration, you can make the journey safe and comfortable for you and your loved one.
Managing the Stress of the Holidays:
Holidays are traditionally a spirited, happy time, but they can be challenging for caregivers, their loved ones, and their families and friends. There are ways to help maintain the enjoyment of the holiday time, however, and let everyone focus on the family ― even if one of the family has Alzheimer’s Disease. Here are some tips.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”
— Mother Theresa
