From the desk of Rosemary Laird, MD
Founder of Navigating Aging Needs (NAN), LLC
Get Ready for the Holidays!
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.
Make the Most of the Holidays!
With a little advanced planning, and a lot of focus on the meaning of the celebration rather than on the mundane trappings of the local mall, you can make the holidays a fulfilling time for you and your loved one.
Giving Thanks, and Getting Help
Thanksgiving as a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the blessings of our lives with family and friends. 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.
Seeing Stress In a New Light
Changing your attitude towards stress can make a big difference in how you react to it, and the effects it has on your mind and body.
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.