While the holidays are generally a joyous time, filled with festivities and time with loved ones, they can be incredibly overwhelming for people living with dementia and those caring for them. But there are ways that we can create a more enjoyable season for everyone. In this blog, we’ll dive into ways to cope with the chaos and bring holiday cheer to all.
First and foremost, take a moment to do a quick assessment of yourself or your loved one. How are you/they doing overall? Does the upcoming holiday bring anxiety or stress? Analyze why that might be to pinpoint solutions. Could taking some designated time for yourself each day be beneficial? Could saying no to an invite or two lessen the stress for you or your loved one? Could having a smaller gathering provide a more comfortable setting? Could passing off some hosting duties take stress off your plate? Taking back some control can do wonders for your mental health, especially in the busyness of the season.
Here are some other tips that can help you navigate the holidays:
For someone living with dementia:
- Work with a partner on identifying what is important to focus on this season
- Do fun activities instead of sitting around visiting if that adds stress for you
- Consider letting people know when you need a break or are having trouble
- Watch old familiar movies or listen to familiar music that makes you feel good
- Get plenty of water, exercise, and rest
For a caregiver or loved one:
- Make a list of pleasurable things to do
- Consider cutting back on traditions that cause distress
- Ask visitors or family members to bring old photos for reminiscing to engage your loved one, allowing you a chance to enjoy yourself
- Keep gatherings small or visits shorter
- Help visitors by introducing them and providing some orienting information about them if they do not offer it themselves
For visitors, family, and friends:
- Start with a smile and offer a handshake (consider asking permission for hugs) even if this person is familiar to you. This helps prepare for interactions together.
- Introduce yourself and provide some background information on how you know each other
- Focus conversation about old times instead of recent events
- Be prepared to hear stories repeated
Please don’t correct errors and try your best to follow their train of though
Remember, everyone is doing the best they can. While the holidays may look or feel a little different, don’t forget about all the love, joy, and happiness that surrounds you. Use this time to create lasting memories and connect as best you can. For more tools and tips on helping your loved one navigate their dementia diagnosis year-round, consider taking our Family & Friends Caregiving Course.
Learn more at the link below.