Celebrating holiday traditions together brings joy to many families. But the sights and sounds, hectic schedules, and extra visitors can make the holidays stressful for people with dementia. JEVS Care at Home (JCAH) can help. Kim St. Peter, JCAH Director of Health and Education, offers these tips on making the holidays as happy and stress-free as possible for families, caregivers, and their loved ones.  

7 ways to support loved ones with dementia 

  1. Keep their daily routines. As you entertain visitors and attend holiday gatherings, maintain your loved one’s daily routine as much as possible. Allow ample time for rest in between activities or visits to friends and family.
  2. Prepare them for visitors. Show the person with dementia pictures of visitors before they arrive. This can prompt happy memories and make it easier for your loved one to interact with others. You may also want to talk with visitors about what they can expect, especially if they haven’t seen your loved one in a while and may not be prepared for personality changes. 
  3. Schedule events during the daytime. If possible, schedule meals and other events during daylight hours. Some people with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia experience what’s known as “sundowning,” which means they become disoriented or agitated in the evening. Celebrating earlier in the day and getting your loved one home before dark will help them enjoy themselves without risking sundowning behaviors. 
  4. Invite their participation. Involve the person you are caring for in holiday preparations and activities as much as they are able. They may not be able to participate as much as they once did, but they can still enjoy taking part in holiday traditions. 
  5. Be safe. Eliminate or reduce clutter and keep entrances and hallways clear. Use battery operated candles to eliminate the possibility of accidents or burns. If you plan on involving your loved one in food preparation, like making cookies, follow these guidelines to ensure your kitchen is as safe as possible. 
  6. Consider virtual events. If your loved one’s care needs make it impossible to attend a family celebration in person, organize a remote get-together via telephone or a video meeting app like Zoom or Google Meet.  The Alzheimer’s Association offers recommendations for adding both fun and structure to virtual gatherings. For example, you can play a game, sing holiday songs, or share pictures from past celebrations.
  7. Support your own care. If you are your loved one’s primary caregiver, don’t forget to practice self-care. Maintain your health and wellness routine, get enough rest, and allow yourself to experience the holiday activities that give you joy. If the person you are caring for cannot go to an event that you want to attend, ask family members to stay with them so you can go. 

JEVS Care at Home can help 

JCAH has caregivers trained in Dementia Capable Care. Also, we offer respite care that enables primary caregivers to take a needed break from caregiving duties. Contact us today to learn about our full range of services for aging adults and adults with disabilities.