Dementia Care Coach Corner: Written by Gabriela Mendoza
The holiday season is around the corner. For many it is a time where family, friends, and loved ones come together to celebrate holidays and traditions. These celebrations might include hosting dinners, attending gatherings, or traveling to see family – and it’s important to manage holiday expectations for people living with dementia.
However, for caregivers, it is normal to have mixed feelings about the holidays. Some of these mixed feelings can include a sense of loss because of the changes, stress to uphold certain traditions, and more. Below are things to keep in mind as you navigate and balance holiday-related activities, with care to yourself and the person living with dementia.
Celebrating traditions can look a bit different. Caregivers can adjust activities so that the person living with dementia is able to enjoy and participate in the activities.
- Asses what is an appropriate length of time for said activity to avoid over tiring or overstimulating the person.
- Consider having planned visits or limiting the number of visitors. The focus of the visit is for the comfort of the person being visited and not the visitors.
- Avoid crowds or busy areas that may be overstimulating.
- Designate a quiet place so the person can have a break if needed.
- Continue to maintain a routine and complete activities such as meals around the same time.
- Determine what activities a person can do based on sensory ability and motor skills. Consider if the person can complete an activity alone, with some help, or observe an activity.
Take mental inventory of gatherings throughout the year, assess how the person living with dementia has interacted in crowds, with family members, and friends. This can help you determine how to approach any gatherings this holiday season.
Remember to take care of yourself and enjoy yourself. It is ok to find time for activities you like or want to do. If possible, ask a trusted family member or friend to spend time with the person while you are out.
For personalized help regarding your situation, call us at 858.492.4400 to speak with one of our dementia experts who are here to help San Diego County residents and/or those caring for someone living in San Diego County (Spanish speakers available). Also check out our free education classes, social activities, caregiver support groups, & more.
Our “Dementia Care Coach Corner” series is where our team of dementia experts weigh in on unique topics and provide insight that can help people impacted by dementia.
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Posted on December 16th, 2024
