Giving Thanks, and Getting Help
There are many challenges to consider in the upcoming holiday season. But with a little preparation and awareness, you can make it a holiday that everyone, including your loved one, will enjoy.
Dear Caregivers,
I think of Thanksgiving as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the blessings of our lives with family and friends. As a family caregiver, you have earned our gratitude for your dedication to your loved one. And even though your loved one may not always express it, I know that they join in gratitude for all you do as well.
As a caregiver of someone suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, there are many challenges to consider in the upcoming holiday season. But with a little preparation and awareness, you can make it a holiday that everyone, including your loved one, will enjoy. Here are some strategies:
Keep Your Routines Going: Your loved one does better with a regular routine. Try to keep to the schedule of sleep, meals, etc., even when the holiday is underway.
Get Your Loved One Involved: Find tasks that your loved one can help participate in, such as helping to with silverware or peeling potatoes. These activities will give them a sense of accomplishment and inclusion.
Reserve a Space for Quiet: Create a “quiet room” away from the holiday hubbub, so that your loved one can take an occasional break from all the noise and excitement. Keep an eye on your loved one for signs of stress or agitation, and be ready to move them to the quiet space if needed.
Inform Your Guests: Some of your guests may not be familiar with your loved one’s condition, or not know how to respond to it. Let them know that your loved one may not remember them or their personal details, and ask them to be patient, and use non-verbal cues such as smiling and a gentle touch. Before the event, show your loved one photos of the people who will be there, and talk about each person to help jog your loved one’s memory.
Watch What You Eat: Thanksgiving is a feasting time, but that doesn’t mean you forget about your and your loved one’s dietary needs altogether. Try not to overdo it!
Get Help From Family and Friends: With a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s, there is no need for you to take on all the holiday duties you had prior to becoming a caregiver. Ask for help from family members, friends, or even professional caregivers to share some of holiday tasks or the caregiving responsibilities.
Practice Self-Care: Remember to “Take Your Oxygen First”, and address your own physical and emotional needs. You can’t provide the best care for your loved one without caring for yourself, too.
Despite all you are going through, it’s important to practice gratitude for the lives you and your loved one have lived, and the time you have going forward. By using some of these strategies during the Thanksgiving holiday, you can help make the time more enjoyable and less stressful for both you and your loved one.
Here is some more advice on making the most of Thanksgiving:
Managing Holiday Stress:
The holiday season can be especially challenging for you and your loved one alike. There are crowds, flurries of noise, and the expectation of celebration. But by managing your expectations and planning ahead, you can make this holiday season a source of joy rather than a burden. Here are some strategies for making the most of the holiday season.
Learn to "Think FAST":
Some of the greatest challenges of celebrating the holidays with a loved one suffering from Alzheimer’s are the personality and behavior changes that can occur. One type of behavior change is that your loved one may “get stuck” on a certain topic, and that topic could create anxiety, sadness, or anger. A strategy for coping with this behavior is to use the “Think FAST” technique, where you focus your loved one on things that typically generate positive thoughts, including Food, Activity, Story, and Trip.
If You Are Experiencing Grief:
During the holidays, some family caregivers helping a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease might sometimes feel a heightened sense of grief for all that is lost to this disease. After all, the holiday season is marked by celebrations among family and friends, and this may only highlight the sense of loss that you feel. You may also lose interest in activities you previously found rewarding and enjoyable. Here are some strategies for coping.
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
“Let gratitude be the pillow upon which you kneel to say your nightly prayer.”
— Maya Angelou
