Holiday Help for Alzheimer’s Caregivers

The holidays are filled with love, laughter, traditions and memories. For someone dealing with Alzheimer’s, however, the holiday season can be a stressful time. They may feel a sense of confusion or loss, become depressed, or become more disoriented during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

As a caregiver, you may become overwhelmed with additional holiday responsibilities while also determining how to maintain traditions without sacrificing the health and safety of the one with Alzheimer’s. Here are some simple tips for getting through the holidays for alzheimer’s caregivers.

Alzheimer’s Caregivers Need To Set Limits

Know your limits. The holidays always bring about extra responsibilities,  and the added task of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s needs to be considered carefully. Being aware of how much stimulation and activity they can reasonably handle in a day or over the course of the holidays without becoming stressed or disoriented is also important. This may mean declining invitations to social events or reducing the number of traditional activities in which you participate, but that is acceptable. Give yourself permission before the holiday season starts to set limits so that you can reduce stress and feelings of guilt later.

Involve Them in Holiday Preparations

While the abilities of someone with Alzheimer’s may not be as capable as in years past, try to involve them as much as safely possible. They can help you set out simple decorations, wrap presents or prepare food. It is important to give them a chance to cherish their memories and traditions, to feel involved and valued, and to just simply enjoy being in the moment.

Create a Safe Space

Consider simplifying traditions and decorations. Transition from large, elaborate dinners to smaller, intimate meals. Instead of pulling out all the stops on decorations, choose a few favorites to keep the space calmer. Avoid blinking lights or decorations that might make a room look or feel cluttered, and avoid rearranging familiar spaces. During gatherings and events, make sure you can provide the person with Alzheimer’s with a quiet place so they can be alone if the environment becomes overstimulating.

Familiarize Visitors with Changes

It’s important that guests and visitors are familiar with the situation. Prepare them ahead of time for changes in behavior, memory, or cognitive abilities. Give them tips, suggestions and ideas for communicating with their loved one. It is important not to correct or interrupt someone with Alzheimer’s, to listen patiently, and to just enjoy the time making memories. If alzheimer’s caregivers are prepared, there is less chance of hurt feelings or misunderstandings.

If you are a caregiver of someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s and have questions about memory care, contact us today at Mayberry Gardens to learn more about providing the best care possible.