By Hannah Miller, RBT, Care Management Associate/Behavioral Analyst
The holidays are often filled with joy, tradition, and togetherness—but they can also bring unique challenges when caring for someone with dementia.
With thoughtful preparation and a compassionate approach, you can create a supportive environment that encourages comfort, connection, and meaningful moments of joy.
- Honor Familiar Traditions
Stick to Familiar Traditions: Maintain holiday traditions your loved one is familiar with to provide comfort.
- Keep the Environment Simple and Calm
Keep It Simple: Avoid overwhelming decorations, loud music, or too many people, as these can be distressing and chaotic.
- Be Mindful of Sensory Triggers
Strong smells, flashing lights, or unfamiliar foods can be overwhelming. Opt for gentle lighting, familiar scents, and meals your loved one enjoys.
- Plan Ahead for a Smoother Day
Plan Ahead: Prepare a schedule for the day with structured activities and breaks to prevent overstimulation. Don’t pressure yourself to make it too rigid or to include too much that might not be necessary. Also, remember to build in quiet time.
- Choose Meaningful and Enjoyable Activities
Engage in Meaningful Activities: Choose activities that your loved one enjoys and can participate in comfortably, such as looking at photo albums or gentle, familiar games.
- Involve Your Loved One in Simple Preparations
Involve Them in Preparations: Include them in simple holiday preparations like setting the table or wrapping presents if these are things they’ve always enjoyed.
- Reminisce and Share Holiday Memories
Share Stories: Reminisce about past holiday memories to help them connect with the holiday spirit.
- Be Patient and Stay Flexible
Be Patient and Flexible: Understand that their behavior may vary. Stay patient and be open to flexibility within the schedule if the day calls for it.
- Take Care of Yourself and Ask for Help
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family members or a support group, especially if caregiving becomes challenging. Being a supportive caregiver starts with caring for your own emotional and physical well-being. Take breaks, rest, ask for help, and give yourself some grace.
Conclusion
Every person with dementia is unique, so it’s important to tailor these tips to your loved one’s specific needs and preferences. Creating a peaceful and familiar environment can make the holidays safe and enjoyable for you and your loved ones.
The Option Group Is Here to Help
If you or someone you care about needs additional support to help cope, The Option Group is here to help. Don’t hesitate to contact our professional care management team for assistance.
About The Option Group: Founded in 2011, The Option Group’s compassionate team of experienced Certified Life Care Managers provides services for families, their loved ones, medical professionals, and professional family advisors in Maryland, DC, Southern Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The firm understands the challenges of caring for individuals who need assistance throughout their lifespan due to aging, dementia, disability, or serious illness. Our skilled providers, from a variety of backgrounds and deep expertise, help families navigate the healthcare maze and access hundreds of resources. The Option Group helps families spend quality time with their loved ones, providing Clear Choices that lead to Better Care. For more information, visit www.theoptiongroup.net or call:
410-667-0266 (MD) | 717-287-9900 | 610-885-8899 | 215-896-6756 (PA) | 302-858-6449 (DE).