Page 62 - December 2021 Issue.indd

However, when celebrations, special • Prepare quiet distractions to use, lights or anything breakable are fixed

events, or holidays include many people, such as a family photo album, firmly, correctly, and out of the way of
this can cause confusion and anxiety if the person with dementia those with dementia disease. Candles
for a person with dementia. He or she becomes upset or overstimulated. should never be lit without supervision.
may find some situations easier and When not in use, they should be put
• Make sure there is a space where
more pleasurable than others. Th e tips away. Also, try to avoid clutter, especially
the person can rest when he or
below can help you and the person in walkways, during the holidays.
she goes to larger gatherings.
with dementia visit and reconnect with Preparing Guests
family, friends, and neighbors during • Try to avoid situations that may
holidays. confuse or frustrate the person Explain to guests that the person with
with dementia, such as crowds, dementia disease does not always
Finding the Right Balance changes in routine, and strange
remember what is expected and
places. Also try to stay away from
Many caregivers have mixed feelings acceptable. Give examples of unusual
noise, loud conversations, loud

about holidays. They may have happy behaviors that may take place such as
music, lighting that is too bright
memories of the past, but they also may incontinence, eating food with fi ngers,
or too dark, and too much rich
worry about the extra demands that wandering, or hallucinations.
food or drink (especially alcohol).
holidays make on their time and energy.

If this is the first visit since the person
• Find time for holiday activities
Here are some ways to balance doing with dementia became severely impaired,
you like to do. If you receive
many holiday-related activities while tell guests that the visit may be painful.
invitations to celebrations that
taking care of your own needs and those The memory-impaired person may not

the person with dementia cannot
of the person with dementia: remember guests’ names or relationships
attend, go yourself. Ask a friend
• Celebrate holidays that are or family member to spend time but can still enjoy their company.
important to you. Include with the person while you’re out. • Explain that memory loss
the person with dementia is the result of the disease
• Don’t wear yourself out
as much as possible. and is not intentional.
attempting to make the holidays
• Set your own limits and “happy” for everyone. If you don’t • Stress that the meaningfulness
be clear about them with get yourself in a situation where of the moment together
others. You do not have to you “overdo” you’ll be more alert matters more than what
live up to the expectations to hazards—even emotional ones. the person remembers.
of friends or relatives. Your Holidays bring emotions to the • Explain that communication
situation is diff erent now. surface because they hold the can be difficult for people with

• Involve the person with dementia most intense memories for your Alzheimer’s and related dementias
in simple holiday preparations, loved ones, and some may not because they have trouble
or have him or her observe your be pleasant. You may fi nd that remembering things. In some
preparations. Observing you will tears fall for no apparent reason, forms of dementia, people have

familiarize him or her with the or suddenly your love one seems trouble finding the right words

upcoming festivities. Participating gruff or annoyed. We never or have diffi culty speaking. You
with you may give the person the know what precipitates these may feel frustrated or impatient,
pleasure of helping and the fun reactions; we only have to deal but it’s important to understand
of anticipating and reminiscing. with them. People don’t intend that the disease is causing the
to be grumpy, distant or to give change in communication skills
• Consider simplifying your
you a hard time. Th ese behaviors
holidays around the home. For For more information, visit Helping
may simply be a way of asking
example, rather than cooking an Family and Friends Understand
for help. The best way to give it

elaborate dinner, invite family and Alzheimer’s.
is by remaining patient, off ering
friends for a potluck. Instead of
consistent encouragement,
elaborate decorations, consider Preparing the Person with dementia
and setting safe boundaries.
choosing a few select items. Here are some tips to help the person
Holiday Home Safety Tips
• Encourage friends and family to with dementia disease get ready for
visit even if it’s diffi cult. Limit the Holiday decorations, such as Christmas visitors:
number of visitors at any one time, trees, lights, or menorahs, should be • Begin showing a photo of the
or have a few people visit quietly secured so that they do not fall or catch guest to the person a week before
with the person in a separate on fire. Anything flammable should arrival. Each day, explain who the
room. Plan visits when the person be monitored at all times, and extra visitor is while showing the photo.
usually is at his or her best. precautions should be taken so that
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