Blessings! For Seniors Companion Care offers helpful advice for making the holidays a relaxing and joyful time for, caregivers, family, and friends.
The Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) estimates that there are nearly 5.2 million people in the U.S. living with Alzheimer’s disease. For these millions of people and their families, friends, and caregivers, the holidays can be an especially stressful time. While special events, large gatherings, and a break in routine are typically enjoyed this time of year, these happenings can be very unsettling for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and Blessings! For Seniors (BFS) has developed several helpful tips for making sure the holidays are filled with comfort and joy for everyone.
BFS recommends keeping holiday décor simple. Large decorations and a lot of blinking lights can be distracting and upsetting for someone with Alzheimer’s. This is an important tip to remember when dressing the dinner table as well. Using solid tablecloths and dinnerware and limiting the number of glasses and utensils at place settings helps create an environment that is less distracting and confusing.
Limiting the number of guests at holiday gatherings is also helpful. More people usually means more noise, which is often unsettling to a person with Alzheimer’s. So keep guest lists to a minimum, and ask those who are in attendance to wear nametags and introduce themselves at each greeting.
Engaging loved ones with Alzheimer’s in quiet activities such as setting the dinner table or helping with gift wrapping is also a great way to ease anxiety while spending enjoyable time together. It helps to validate one’s sense of self when you engage your loved one in easy holiday preparations. Everyone likes to feel useful, and part of the occasion.
Although some break in routine is virtually unavoidable during the holidays, maintaining as much normalcy as possible, regardless of where the holidays are spent, is critical for loved ones with Alzheimer’s. Holidays can come with many disruptions, which can increase anxiety in someone with Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s important to stick to your day-to-day routine, such as getting up, eating meals, and going to bed at the same time.
Most importantly, BFS reminds caregivers, friends, and family members to support and rely on each other when it comes to meeting the needs of their loved one. Have holiday guests take turns sitting with your loved one or being responsible for the evening. It will free you up to socialize and relax. If family and friends are not available, consider hiring a caregiver or getting a volunteer to help out. No matter what, enjoy your holiday season with your loved one. He or she might not know all your guests or understand completely what all the fuss is about, but they will feel the love and connection of the season.
There is hope for the future and help for today. For more information contact our local Alzheimer’s Association Office in Phoenix, AZ at 602-528-0545 or their 24 Hour Helpline at 1-800-272-3900.
Blessings! For Seniors Companion Care 623-594-0819
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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