As the holidays approach, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) offers five tips to help those affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases have a celebration catered to their needs.
Schedule the celebration early and incorporate routine
Those living with dementia can “sundown,” a syndrome that can cause agitation and confusion in the evenings. A house full of guests and loud noises can agitate these symptoms, so hosts can try an earlier celebration to accommodate.
Changes in routine can also be a challenge for those living with dementia, so planning the day and sticking to routine may also help.
Prepare everyone involved prior to the celebration
Your loved one with dementia may benefit from prior introductions to all guests via photos, by sharing stories or arranging a video call. Creating a formal invitation with a guest book may also help them familiarize themselves with the guests.
Speaking with guests about your loved one and how to communicate, what they respond well to and what may cause distress may prevent agitation and confusion as well.
Keep your loved one involved
Adapt the celebration to include your loved one.
Focus on what they can do and invite them to participate in activities like preparing ingredients for a simple dish, setting the table, decorating and other activities. Playing music they like or looking at old photos are good ways to bring joy to guests and your loved one.
Have a quiet space for them
If your loved one finds crowds uncomfortable, finding a quiet space for them can be beneficial. Providing familiar comfort items like blankets, sweaters and stuffed animals can bring added comfort.
Plan for help
Preparing and hosting a holiday gathering can be stressful, even without the additional responsibility of caring for a loved one living with dementia. Don’t be afraid to let your friends and family know what you need help with and how they can assist.
“Families caring for a loved one with dementia deserve to join together and celebrate Thanksgiving, and there a few simple steps they can take to make that celebration as joyful as possible,” said Jennifer Reeder, AFA’s director of educational and social services. “For caregivers, it means creating an environment where our loved ones can feel safe, valued, and present in the moment. Being proactive and prepared are the best tools caregivers can use to give their loved one a Happy Thanksgiving.”
Caregivers who have questions can contact the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline seven days a week by phone (866-232-8484), text message (646-586-5283), or web chat (www.alzfdn.org).
This reporting is made possible by a grant from the Indianapolis African-American Quality of Life Initiative, empowering our community with essential health insights. https://iaaqli.org/
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Contact Health & Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
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