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Dealing With Dementia During the Holidays

It’s almost the holidays, and while that might be an exciting time for some, that’s not always the case. For some families, caregivers, and people living with dementia, the holidays can be overwhelming and stressful. However, with acceptance and planning, the holidays can still bring great joy to your family. At Advanced Nursing & Home Support, we understand how painful dementia and Alzheimer’s are—not just to your loved one, but to you and your family as well. So, we’ve come up with some tips to keep you all happy throughout the entire holiday season.

General Planning for the Holidays

The activities your family has participated in over the years may need to be altered to accommodate the individual with dementia. The craze that comes along with the holidays can be overwhelming. If you’re caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s this winter, try to avoid these situations that can further confusion to many patients:

  • Crowds of people who expect the individual to remember them
  • Loud conversations or music
  • New or strange surroundings
  • Changes in lighting frequency (often found at holiday light shows)
  • Changes in normal routine or sleep patterns

By minimizing exposure to these situations, you and your loved ones should have a happier and less stressful holiday season. But sometimes it’s easier with a little help— if your loved one needs dementia or Alzheimer’s care in Montgomery County, MD, contact us today to schedule a free in-home assessment by filling out the form to the right or calling 240-283-4984.

Don’t Let Alzheimer’s Disease Get in the Way

Although the individual may not remember your family’s holiday traditions, involving the person with dementia in holiday activities is important. A few ways to keep dementia from getting in the way include:

  • Celebrating past traditions – Was there a particular holiday tradition the individual with Alzheimer’s liked best? Is there a holiday song they’ve always enjoyed? What is their favorite holiday movie? Take time to engage in activities that could bring comfort to the person. By reminding them of things they used to love, they will be able to experience a sense of joy this holiday season.
  • Preparing your guests – Nothing is more confusing for a dementia patient than being overwhelmed by people who expect to be remembered. Prepare your guests for the situation they are walking into. If they are unaware of the person’s condition, they could become offended at something the person says. Explain that sometimes the individual doesn’t remember what you’d expect and how they should cherish the time spent together in that moment.
  • Involving the person in preparation – Keep the person engaged in the holiday preparation as much as their abilities allow. Are you baking for an upcoming family gathering? Let them help! They can enjoy baking, wrapping presents, and decorating the Christmas tree—allowing them to feel the joy of the holidays.
  • Maintaining a normal routine – The holidays can be hectic—and that might even be an understatement. Daily routines are changed with the addition of holiday parties and other festivities. We’re not saying that you can’t do everything you want to, but depending on the particular situation, you might want to limit the amount of activities you participate in. A person with Alzheimer’s need to stick to a relatively strict routine, which will help keep the holidays from becoming confusing for them.

Dementia & Alzheimer’s Care in Montgomery County, MD

If you’re family needs help caring for a loved one suffering from dementia this holiday season, reach out to the staff at Advanced Nursing & Home Support. An important part of finding the right in-home care company for your loved one is knowing the types of caretakers that are available. We have many experienced in-home professionals that are suited to care for your loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s:

  • Companions (companions offer non-medical care)
  • Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs)
  • Home Health Aides (HHAs)
  • Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs)
  • Registered Nurses (RNs)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

If you have a family member in Montgomery County, MD that would benefit from dementia or Alzheimer’s care, contact Advanced Nursing & Home Support today. We can help you ensure your loved one is as happy and healthy as possible.

Contact us online or by phone at 240-283-4984 to schedule a free in-home assessment!

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