Holiday Tips for Caregivers 2024

glowing holiday lights on a dark background

Getting together for the holidays is often a joyous time for families, but it can also bring a sense of anxiety and worry for caregivers of those who have Alzheimer’s or another dementia. How can you make the holiday season festive and enjoyable for everyone without feeling overwhelmed by concerns about your loved one?

One way to do this is to remember that holiday traditions do not have to be set in stone, and a flexible mindset will help you to decide on which rituals you keep, and on different ways of modifying them so that everyone feels comfortable.

Here are a few tips:

Planning

  • Plan early and set realistic expectations of yourself and your family.

  • Arrange a smaller get-together with fewer people, and hold it in a place that is familiar to the person you are caring for.

  • Keep the length of time everyone is together short enough not to cause distress for the person with dementia.

  • Ensure that the area you are celebrating in is safe – remove throw rugs, and make sure it is well-lit.

  • Prepare family members who may not have seen your loved one recently so they are aware of the best ways to communicate.

For Your Loved One

  • Have a quiet area where your loved one can spend some time separately from everyone else in case they feel overwhelmed.

  • Try to involve him or her in some of the preparations that they can still enjoy, such as stirring the batter for cookies or making paper chains for decorations.

  • Include some of the person with dementia’s favorite foods.

  • Take time to do comforting activities, such as looking at photos together, playing holiday music, or singing familiar songs.

  • Give only simple gifts to a person with dementia, such as warm socks or a scarf.

For You

  • Focus on celebrating only the traditions that are most important to you.

  • Ask for help from friends and family members and remember to take breaks for both you and the person you are caring for.

  • Ensure that you take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, nutrition, and at least a little bit of exercise.

  • Know the holidays can bring both joy and sadness – allow yourself to experience all the feelings that come up for you.

  • You are not alone. If you need help planning for the holidays, our care counselors can help! Please call (844) 435-7259 for more assistance.

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Published On: November 7th, 2024Categories: Programs & Services