Managing the Stress of the Holidays
Dear Caregivers,
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 someone in that family has Alzheimer’s Disease.
One key is to manage your expectations. The coming holidays may not be exactly like the celebrations of the past, but it is still a celebration. You want to be “in the moment” for it and not comparing it to times long ago. Another critical factor for reducing holiday stress is to plan ahead, including considering your loved one’s best times of day, favorite foods, and the activities they enjoy. Most of all, remember that this is a holiday season, not just a single day, and so spread out the celebration over several days or weeks to lessen everyone’s stress and increase enjoyment for all.
Read on for more on making the most of your holiday season.
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
“The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each other's burdens, easing each other's loads, and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of the holidays.”
— W. C. Jones
