The holidays are the perfect time to celebrate together with friends and family. But for families or caregivers who have loved ones with dementia or another form of memory loss, the holidays can be quite stressful.
“The loved one with dementia is often a cornerstone of the family’s traditions and holidays, and it can be difficult to adjust to that reality,” says Phil Noto, Executive Director of Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull, a memory care assisted living community in Trumbull, CT. “Beyond the psychological implications, there are many practical things that need to be considered. One of the big things is safety. The holiday season can come with a lot of risks, and so it’s important to adjust expectations to your loved one’s needs.”
While this sounds like a monumental task, Noto says that it’s still possible to have a happy holiday that includes familiar activities and traditions. “With some adjustment and planning, your celebrations can still be memorable, happy occasions that both you, your family and your loved one with dementia can enjoy.”
Safety Tips for Holiday Decorating
Decorating your home for the holidays is a much-loved tradition. For individuals with dementia, however, holiday decor can cause issues or challenges due to the nature of their disease. Here are some tips for making sure your holiday decor takes into account your loved one’s unique needs.
- Avoid twinkle lights. Little lights that flash on and off like tiny stars are beautiful, but they can also be disorienting for someone with dementia. Instead, choose lights that have a consistent glow.
- Use flameless candles. Instead of using real candles, which present a fire hazard, opt for battery-operated versions that cast a flickering glow without the danger.
- Clear the clutter. Decorations cause clutter, and since individuals with dementia have difficulty with balance and walking, this can be a recipe for falls. Be sure extension cords are placed under rugs or taped down securely, and be sure that trafficked areas are clear of anything that could be problematic.
- Avoid animatronics. Life-sized Santa Clauses and carolers that move about can be frightening to your loved one, who may have difficulty recognizing what’s real and what’s not. To be safe, stick to non-moving, non-singing decor.
- Recognize choking hazards. Food plays a central role in the holidays, and there is plenty of holiday decor with fake gingerbread men, gumdrops and other faux goodies. These can be dangerous to someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia because they may mistake them for real food and try to eat them. Limit their use or avoid if possible.
- Be careful with breakables. Shiny, delicate objects should be placed on shelves or well above your loved one’s eye level to keep temptation at bay.
Safety Tips for Gift Giving
Gifts are another large part of the holiday tradition. However, it’s a big chore that can be supremely stressful. Here are a few tips to help keep you and your loved one safe as you go from the mall to unwrapping what’s under the tree.
- Go online to shop. The crowds, noise and other sensory overload may be too much for your loved one. So instead of going to the mall with them, opt for online shopping in the comfort of your home. This can help keep your loved one calm, avoid anxiety and still allow them to pick the gifts they want to give.
- Have a gift list ready when family asks. Well-meaning family members may not know what to give your loved one with dementia. Have a list of useful, safe items to help out. Comfortable clothing, photo albums, favorite foods and tools like an ID bracelet are all good ideas.
- Put “help” on your wishlist. This isn’t an obvious safety tip, but giving you the time you need to recharge will help you make a safer environment for your loved one. If others ask what you want for the holidays, suggest a cleaning service, respite care, a massage or anything else that will allow you to care for yourself.
Safety Tips for Visiting Family & Group Celebrations
This time of year revolves around seeing friends and family we may not have seen since last year. This can be confusing and disorienting for your loved one with dementia, especially since many celebrations are disruptive and take them out of their routines. It can also be jarring for family members who haven’t seen your loved one in a while and don’t know how to treat them as the disease progresses. Here are a few ideas on how to make holiday gatherings an easier feat for everyone involved.
- Adapt existing traditions. Your loved one may not be able to handle a group outing to a performance of “The Nutcracker”. Bring the performance to them by playing a DVD during a family gathering. It may be different than what you celebrated in the past, but it may be the start of a new and meaningful tradition.
- Keep it light. If your loved one has difficulty, agitation or confusion, consider hosting a holiday brunch or lunch instead of a dinner. If you are holding a celebration at night (or attending one) be sure the rooms are well-lit and that there’s a quiet place available for your loved one to retire to if things get overwhelming.
- Stick to a routine as much as possible. Sticking to your loved one’s normal routine will greatly help this holiday season. Be sure to schedule times for rest and breaks.
- Prepare loved ones. If you’re visiting someone else’s place, contact them beforehand to let them know what to expect before you arrive. (This is a good idea to do if guests are coming to your home as well). You don’t have to go into great detail, but be sure to let others know how to react and interact with your loved one. This will help avoid awkwardness and confusion during the gathering.
As you and your loved one adjust to this new holiday normal, the most important thing to remember is that the season is about being together instead of all the trappings. Focus on the positive and try and avoid becoming overwhelmed by negative thoughts. By paying attention to what the season really means, you, your loved one and your family will be able to enjoy this special time of year in a different – but just as meaningful – way.
If you would like more information about holiday safety tips for seniors with dementia, contact us at 203.397.6800.
Personalized Lifestyle
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull’s highly specialized, resident-centered BRIDGES® program is a positive, uplifting approach to memory care and wellness that focuses on a resident’s current skills and abilities, not on those that have been lost to dementia.
Each programming plan is as unique as the resident it serves, requiring all Bridges® team members to take an active interest in getting to know each resident on a personal level. Then, accounting for a particular resident’s preferences, interests, needs and abilities, we customize the most efficient blend of expert-recommended care, exercises, activities and communication techniques in order to connect with the individual, encourage their involvement in daily life and create happy, meaningful moments.
Intimate Environment
Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull features four distinct households, each with its own spacious common areas, along with 14 private and two companion suites. Suites feature private bathrooms and walk-in showers.
Each household has a homelike look and feel, creating an atmosphere of warmth, security and comfort for our residents and their families. While furnishings are provided, we encourage families to furnish their loved ones’ suites with favorite possessions from home to help them feel at home.
Featuring stunning residential design that complements the surrounding community, every inch of the interior is designed to benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease and memory loss. Attributes such as soft colors, directional cues, aromatherapy and interactive life stations create a soothing and secure environment where residents feel comfortable and safe.
Call us today at 203.397.6800 to learn more about Bridges® by EPOCH at Trumbull or to schedule a personal tour.