The holidays are often filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and meaningful moments. But they can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness.
A person with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or she has experienced.
At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining traditions while providing care.
In the mild (early) stage, a person with Alzheimer’s may experience minor changes. Some may withdraw and be less comfortable socializing, while others may relish seeing family and friends as before. The key is to check in with each other and discuss options.
A simple “How are you doing?” or “How are you coping with everything?” may be appreciated.
Plan the holidays together, focusing on the things that bring happiness and letting go of activities that seem overwhelming or stressful.
As the disease progresses into the moderate (middle) and severe (late) stages, consider rethinking your holiday plans.
Everyone is unique and finding a plan that works can involve trial and error.
To make the holidays less stressful and more enjoyable caregivers should take time to experiment with new traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit with your caregiving responsibilities, such as watching seasonal movies.
If evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch.
Involve the person with dementia in safe, manageable holiday preparation activities that he or she enjoys. Ask him or her to help you prepare food, wrap packages, help decorate, make homemade gifts for the family, or set the table.
Let family members and other guests know what to expect before they arrive and tell them how they can best communicate with the person living with Alzheimer’s and what activities may require their help.
Holiday shopping and gift-giving can often be challenging, but even more so when shopping for a person living with dementia. Depending on the stage of disease, some well-intentioned gifts may no longer be appropriate or practical for the person.
Here are a few gift suggestions aimed at keeping those with dementia engaged and involved in everyday life, as well as a few wish-list items for caregivers:
Gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – in the early-stages
● Gift cards for ride-sharing services or a favorite activity (golf, movie, restaurant) allowing the person to remain active.
● GPS trackers (bracelets, watches, small trackers) or enrollment in a safe return program to keep the person safe.
● A “memory” calendar featuring family photos – write-in special family occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries.
Gifts for people living with Alzheimer’s – in the middle-to-late stages
● Music playlists that include the person’s favorite artists or songs.
● Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to put on, remove and wash, such as sweat suits, slip-on blouses/shirts, non-slip socks, Velcro shoes, wrinkle-free nightgowns, nightshirts or a fluffy bathrobe.
● Framed photographs or a photo collage created specifically for your loved one. Insert the names of the people in the photos to help with identification.
Gifts for dementia caregivers
● Self-made coupons for cleaning the house, cooking a meal, mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway.
● Gift cards and certificates for restaurants or meal delivery, laundry/dry cleaning services, lawn care services, compu-ter/technology support, maid services, and personal pampering services such as massages and pedicures.
● Self-care items such as a bundle of personal care items (moisturizers, bath bombs and soaks, foot creams, scrubs, soaps).
Holiday Travel
If your holiday plans include travel, understand that travel often causes stress and plan accordingly. Choose a practical destination, simplify itineraries, and keep travel necessities close. Stick with the familiar.
Travel to known destinations that involve as few changes in daily routine as possible. Try to visit places that were familiar before the onset of dementia.
Travel during the time of day that is best for the person with dementia. When possible, avoid places that are highly congested, which can trigger disorientation and confusion.
Provide supervision at all times; do not leave a person with dementia alone.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides information, programs and services at no charge to help caregivers and families living with Alzheimer’s disease.
For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the free Helpline at 800.272.3900, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.