The holiday season is a time for celebration, family gatherings, and traditions. But for someone living with dementia, these changes can bring more stress than joy. The increased activity, noise, and interruptions to their daily routine may lead to confusion, agitation, and anxiety. As a family caregiver, you play an important role in creating an environment that helps reduce these stressors while keeping the spirit of the holidays alive. With some thoughtful planning, you can make the holiday season brighter for someone with dementia and ensure it’s an enjoyable time for the whole family.
Here are several ways to help you bring joy and comfort to your loved one this holiday season:
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- Maintain a Consistent Routine: One of the most significant ways to make the holiday season brighter for someone with dementia is to keep their daily routine as stable as possible. Routines offer a sense of security for individuals with dementia, and deviations from that can cause confusion and stress. During the holidays, it can be tempting to adjust meal times, bedtimes, or activity schedules to accommodate holiday events, but this can negatively impact the individual.
Stick to familiar routines for meals, rest, and activities. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, try to plan it around the person’s regular schedule. For instance, if they usually take an afternoon nap, make sure they have time for that quiet break. Keeping things predictable will help them feel more grounded and reduce feelings of anxiety. - Limit Large Gatherings and Noise: The excitement and noise of a big holiday gathering can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Loud conversations, holiday music, and bustling activity can trigger agitation or confusion. Instead of forgoing the celebrations, consider planning smaller, quieter gatherings that allow them to enjoy the company of family without feeling overstimulated.
If you still want to host a larger event, set aside a quiet room where the person can take a break if needed. You can also arrange for family members to visit in smaller groups over several days, spreading out the holiday cheer in a more manageable way. The key is to find a balance between celebrating and creating an environment where the older adult can feel calm and safe. - Simplify Holiday Traditions: Holiday traditions are often steeped in family memories and meaning. However, for someone with dementia, some traditions may become too challenging or stressful. Focus on simplifying these traditions to better suit their current abilities.
Instead of elaborate decorations, opt for a few simple, familiar items. If your family typically prepares a large holiday meal, consider making it smaller and less complex, or ask other family members to pitch in to ease the burden. You can also adjust activities like decorating the tree or baking cookies, involving the person in a way that feels comfortable to them. Simplifying these traditions can reduce stress while still allowing everyone to enjoy the holiday spirit. - Prepare for Changes: The sudden introduction of holiday decorations, visitors, and special events can be jarring for someone with dementia. It’s important to prepare the person for any changes to their environment or routine. Gradually introduce holiday décor, putting up decorations slowly over several days. When family members visit, take time to reintroduce your loved one to each person and explain who they are if necessary.
Showing family photos in advance or sharing stories about past holidays with familiar faces can help ease the person into these changes. By taking the time to prepare them, you can reduce any potential distress caused by the unfamiliar. - Involve Them in Meaningful Activities: Even though someone with dementia may struggle with certain tasks, they can still find joy in meaningful holiday activities. Simple activities like helping to wrap gifts, decorating cookies, or listening to holiday music can bring a sense of involvement and purpose. These activities can also stimulate positive memories from past holidays, providing a connection to traditions they may have enjoyed earlier in life.
It’s important to know how to modify activities according to their abilities. For example, if they used to enjoy cooking, perhaps they can help with stirring ingredients or setting the table. Involving them in these kinds of simple, familiar tasks can reinforce a sense of belonging and contributing to family traditions. - Take Care of Yourself, Too: As a caregiver, the holiday season can feel especially overwhelming. Balancing the responsibilities of caregiving with the demands of holiday preparations can leave you feeling stressed and exhausted. But remember, you need to care for yourself, too.
- Maintain a Consistent Routine: One of the most significant ways to make the holiday season brighter for someone with dementia is to keep their daily routine as stable as possible. Routines offer a sense of security for individuals with dementia, and deviations from that can cause confusion and stress. During the holidays, it can be tempting to adjust meal times, bedtimes, or activity schedules to accommodate holiday events, but this can negatively impact the individual.
Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family members or let us help with professional respite care services. Our care management team knows how important it is to make the holiday season brighter for someone with dementia, and we’re here to support you whenever you need us.
Contact us any time at 949-566-1871 to learn more about our care management services and how we can help you and your family relax and enjoy the holidays together.
