Get Ready for the Holidays!
Dear Caregivers,
Sure enough, this week, before I’ve even polished off all the leftover Halloween candy (there are still a few pieces left!), decorations for the coming holiday season already seem to be popping up everywhere. These last two months of the calendar seem to be unnaturally squeezed into what seems like a mere few weeks.
Still, I always try to look at the positive side: To me, the decorations serve as a clear sign that it's time to start planning for a smooth and enjoyable holiday season. For a caregiver of a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, planning ahead is particularly important. Here are a few things to consider:
Adjust Your Expectations: Accept that the holiday season is not going to be exactly like those of the past. Consider trimming your holiday commitments to only those that are the most meaningful, and least stressful to participate in.
Tailor The Holiday Environment: Your loved one may react negatively to bright lights, loud noises, and large crowds. Make sure your holiday venues have a “safe room” where your loved one can go to find an environment free of distractions, and make sure the celebration areas are free of dangerous items such as loose rugs, etc.
Foster Involvement: Plan activities that enable your loved one to contribute, whether it's choosing music, helping in the kitchen, or laying out decorations.
Alert Your Visitors and Hosts: Some friends and family may not be aware of the extent of your loved one’s condition. Give them a heads up on what to expect, and how they might make special preparations to make sure the experience is enjoyable for everyone.
Take Care of Yourself! The holidays can be a stressful time, particularly for caregivers. Make sure you carve out time for self-care, including exercise and rest, and set limits for what you are trying to accomplish this holiday season.
Plan Ahead: I know it’s still early in the season, but this is the best time to find a half hour, if you can, and do some planning. It will be the best holiday gift you can give yourself and others, because it will lower your stress levels so you can truly enjoy the holiday season, and not just “survive" it.
Here are some more tips on coping with the coming holiday season:
The Benefits of Socializing:
People who socially connect with others have improved brain function, such as better memory, and are less likely to develop dementia than those who are more socially isolated. Here are some tips for increasing social engagement.
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. Here's how to do it.
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
“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing others’ loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.”
— W. C. Jones
