Try These 3 Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress for Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s

Those who help provide care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s know: even the most ordinary of days is far from ordinary. The ever-changing challenges can be unpredictable at best, and at times, overwhelming.

During the holiday season, amidst the gift-giving, holiday parties and gatherings, the noise, clutter, and interruptions in routine can result in a heightened level of distress for those with Alzheimer’s Disease – resulting, of course, in a heightened level of distress for those who care for them.

At Certified Home Care of Georgia, we’re helping adults with Alzheimer’s and their families overcome some of the hurdles of the holidays. Try some of these tips to reduce stress and restore calm:

• First, prepare your guests. Updating out-of-town family members and friends who may not be familiar with your loved one’s current condition allows for a smoother transition into the visit. Write a letter or type out an email that you can share with visitors to prepare them for what they may encounter: confusion, forgetfulness, particularly challenging behaviors, etc.
• Next, prepare yourself. Understand that what you may have intended several months ago when beginning to think about the holidays may need to be revised, depending on the stage of Alzheimer’s your loved one is currently experiencing. That list of 30 guests and a full-course dinner may need to be scaled back to a more intimate gathering of 6 guests as a casual holiday brunch.
• Finally, prepare your loved one. Keeping life on an even keel, with as much normal routine as possible, can go a long way towards minimizing confusion and distress. To the extent he or she is able, help the person to be involved in holiday preparations and participate in get-togethers. If possible, allow him or her to help with food and decorating preparations, wrapping gifts, etc., even if it’s something as simple as placing napkins on the table or handing you decorations as you hang them in place. He or she may also enjoy singing along with traditional holiday songs, or looking through picture albums.

In the midst of the busyness of the holidays, keep in mind that Certified Home Care of Georgia is just a phone call away at 770-635-8042, and we would love to partner with you to provide safe, reliable, professional Georgia senior care services. Our specially trained Alzheimer’s home care team helps those with dementia to maintain a maximum level of independence and dignity, and allows family members a chance to step away to take care of other needs or to take some time to rest and rejuvenate, knowing their loved one is in capable and compassionate hands. Contact us any time to learn more.