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10 Tips for Making the Holidays Merry and Bright

As a caregiver, you probably are aware of the necessity to do holidays a little differently when you have a loved one with dementia. Things that you and your loved one may have enjoyed in holidays past – going out caroling, visiting far-flung friends and family, attending classic performances – may be out of reach this year. However, even if you aren’t able to have the exact Norman Rockwell Christmas of your memories, you can have a holly, jolly time nonetheless. It’s all about shifting your expectations and keeping things a little simpler.

“The holidays are absolutely a wonderful time of year for everyone, even for loved ones with dementia,” says Cindy Wirth, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury. “There’s no reason why anyone should have to forego the warmth and love that come from this season. As long as everyone remembers what the holidays are really about – spending time with people you care about – everything else can be adapted with relative ease.”

There are many tips to help make the holidays more special for you and a loved one with dementia. Here are 10 of our top favorites.

1. Keep gatherings small and intimate.

Someone with dementia can quickly become overwhelmed by too much activity, too much noise and too many people, which basically describes any large family gathering. Don’t feel obligated to have huge extravaganzas; instead, make changes that will help your senior loved one stay relaxed, calm and happy. For example, instead of having one big blowout bash, choose instead to have several little get-togethers spread throughout the season.

2. Plan activities and parties around your loved one’s schedule.

As a caregiver, you know that there are times during the day when your senior loved one is better than others. As you’re planning (or planning to attend) holiday activities, schedule or choose ones that line up to when your loved one will be most likely to enjoy them to the fullest. For example, if your loved one doesn’t do well at night, plan a holiday lunch or brunch for them. Whether you’re hosting or being hosted, be sure to find a quiet place for your loved one to go if he or she gets overstimulated.

3. Stick to a routine as much as possible.

Holidays are disruptive by their very nature, but that’s no reason that your loved one’s schedule has to be thrown completely out of whack. Be sure to keep routines that are important for you and your loved one: regular bedtimes and mealtimes, daily walks, quiet time and other regular occurrences.

4. Choose activities that help your loved one feel included.

The best way to do this is by having them participate in activities they enjoy. Bake cookies together, organize a football-watching party or sing some carols together. It may not be the same as it once was, but it can still be an enjoyable, memorable and meaningful time.

5. Understand that this is an emotional time.

We think of the holidays as a happy time, but remember that it can bring up feelings of sadness, too. If your loved one reminisces about the past, or even if they’re speaking about the past like it’s happening now, encourage discussion and follow their lead. If there’s joy, celebrate with them; if there’s sadness, empathize and remind your loved one how much you care.

6. Adjust meals and diets for sensitive stomachs.

Delicious holiday food can be a lot richer than your loved one’s typical diet. Sugar, alcohol and salt-laden foods can cause issues in people with dementia, so be sure there are options available that your loved one can enjoy worry-free.

7. Be forgiving.

No one is perfect, and no holiday will be perfect. Mistakes will happen, people will say things they shouldn’t and it’s possible emotional hurts can happen. Instead of dwelling on what’s not going right, focus instead on the present and the good in your life. By choosing positivity and forgiveness, you and all your loved ones will have a happier holiday season.

8. Redefine what success means.

A successful holiday doesn’t have to mean a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Instead of traveling all about town, success can mean having just a few family members over and then watching old movies for the rest of the day. Success means different things to different people, so figure out what it truly means to you and for your loved one with dementia.

9. Help family and friends understand the situation.

Faraway friends or family members who aren’t in your life every day may not know how to react or interact with your senior loved one. Before any visit, be sure to prep guests on how to treat your loved one and let them know that any “funnies” are due to the disease, not the person themselves. Remind them that your loved one is still the same person and can still enjoy everything the season has to offer.

10. Take time for you.

While you’re busy taking care of others, take care of yourself as well. Once a day, spend some time doing something for yourself – no matter how small. Even a walk around the block can be enough to recharge your batteries and keep you feeling all Christmassy inside. Since this is a season of giving and gratitude, reach out to friends and family to help out when needed. Let them know that’s the best gift they can give you!

If you would like more information about how to keep the holidays merry for your loved one with dementia, contact us at 978.261.7007.

Engaging Lifestyle.

Now open! Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury provides exceptional memory care in a comfortable, upbeat and engaging environment. Designed specifically to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, Bridges® by EPOCH creates a wellness-focused lifestyle that respects individual preferences. Our teams receive ongoing, specialized training so they may help residents to safely exercise their independence and individuality in a secure, calm environment.

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We provide complete peace of mind for families and residents experiencing early-, mid- or late-stage memory loss. Our expert dementia care, Personalized Services and personalized programs are tailored to meet the physical, cognitive and emotional needs of each resident wherever they are on their journey, allowing them to age in place safely, comfortably and with respect.

Welcoming, Purpose-Built Design

Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury is more than a safe, beautiful place to live; it’s truly a home, where compassionate, dementia-educated caregivers help people with memory loss live more joyful lives and where families enjoy spending time together again. Our research-based design features soft lighting and colors, non-glare flooring, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life-enrichment stations that empower residents to comfortably move about their homes with confidence.

Call us today at 978.261.7007 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Sudbury or to schedule a personal tour.

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