The holiday season is upon us!

Halloween is over and Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner – if retailers are any judge, it began in August. The upcoming holidays can create extra stress for caregivers. While the information below is not new, we felt that it bears repeating to remind everyone that even while caring for a loved one with a dementia-related illness, there’s still much to celebrate as a family this time of year. The key is planning ahead and being realistic with expectations.

We also want to remind you to keep an eye on our calendar. Through our CareGiver Academy, in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association and Cape Fear Area Agency on Aging, we’re adding more and more educational opportunities and support groups throughout the Cape Fear region and virtually.

Happier Holidays!

Holidays bring caroling, twinkling lights, festive smells, décor and gatherings. For some, holidays also bring mixed feelings and challenges while caring for someone who has dementia. With some modification tips, holiday traditions can be meaningful.

Holiday Tips:

• Create a calm environment. Avoid blinking lights, large décor, clutter and rearranging furniture. Keep familiarity and avoid confusion by keeping the daily routine as close to normal as possible.
• Host small gatherings. Schedule gatherings during the ‘best time of day’ for the person living with dementia. Provide photo albums with familiar old photos, watch home movies, and provide a quiet space to retreat.
• Connect through technology using Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or Google Home. Virtually share songs, a trivia game, pictures, and instrument playing.
• Be a Savvy Caregiver with family traditions by adapting and shaping holiday activities with the level of structure and support needed. Make cookies, decorate the tree, open Christmas cards, make simple decorations, watch holiday classics and listen to holiday music.
• Generate a safe environment. Avoid burning candles, fragile décor or décor that can be mistaken as edible. Secure trees and menorahs so they don’t fall.
• Prepare guests and visitors. In advance provide an update on behaviors (wandering, hallucinations…), memory and provide a photo to warn of appearance changes. Offer guests communication tips: Listen – do not interrupt, correct, or criticize.
• Caregiver Self-Care. Trust your instincts. Simplify celebrations, plan ahead, and set boundaries. Pick and Choose – focus on holiday traditions that are important and don’t try to do it all. Set realistic goals as to what you can contribute. Delegate – cleaning, wrapping, addressing cards, shopping, etc. Make time for you.