From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
Your Greatest Holiday Gift
This year, Thanksgiving came late in the month. No sooner did the turkey get polished off and the dishes put away than we began preparing for the next holiday right around the corner. That's OK with me: I love the season's gathering of family, friends, and festivities. Still, the time crunch adds to the stress of preparing for the coming events, and even more so for caregivers of loved ones living with Alzheimer's disease.
Coping With the Coming Holidays
For caregivers of a loved one with Alzheimer’s, navigating the holiday season can come with challenges. The key to success is to be prepared. Here are some tips on how to get ready.
Let's Count Our Blessings!
Counting blessings may seem counterintuitive, given all you and your loved one have been going through this year and the uncertainty of the future. But surely, we are all blessed with this miracle of life, family, and community, which Alzheimer’s impacts, but cannot destroy.
Navigating Holiday Travel
In today’s America, with families spread out all over the country, holiday celebrations can be challenging as you and your loved one may have to travel to join the celebration. But with the right planning and precautions, you can navigate these journeys with a "happy holidays" outcome. Here are some steps to consider.
Take Care of Yourself!
The holiday season can be a heartwarming time of joy with the gathering of friends and family. But it’s not without its challenges: One guest is a vegan and so has dietary restrictions; another brings a toddler who wanders underfoot; another guest needs transportation to the airport. And so on. We adapt and accommodate these challenges because they are labors of love. Remember, however: While during this holiday season you will no doubt do much for others ― you absolutely need to do something for yourself, too!
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 someone in that family has Alzheimer’s Disease.