The expectations and commitments of the holiday season combined with the responsibilities of caregiving can sometimes turn “the most wonderful time of the year” into the exact opposite. Caring for a loved one with dementia means that the holidays may not feel the same as years prior. In fact, the holidays may look and feel very different. It is okay to adjust your holiday traditions for your loved one and for yourself.  The following tips are intended to help you manage caregiver stress this holiday season.

  • Be realistic as to what both you and your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease are able to do.  It may be different than what you have done in the past – so acknowledge that it’s OK to break tradition and form new ones. You may need to say “no” to keep things manageable.
  • Keep a gratitude journal: Stress during the holidays can push to the back of our minds all we have to be grateful for. No matter how small, take a second each day to document what you’re thankful for and refer back to it when stress and anxiety start to seep in. Include even the smallest things: A joke that had you in happy tears, a neighbor who stopped by to say hi, or a tasty treat you enjoyed!
  • Limit options: Those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias can be easily overwhelmed if too many options are presented to them. Instead of having your loved one go through a Thanksgiving buffet line, for example, perhaps you prepare a plate with their known favorites beforehand.
  • Schedule events earlier in the day to address sundowning.
  • Prepare your guests: If some of your guests have not seen your loved one recently, they may be surprised at and uncomfortable with the changes that have occurred. Prepare them beforehand about what to expect regarding your loved one’s personality, conversation style, or behaviors.
  • Attend religious services at times when they may be less crowded or invite clergy to a service at your home.
  • Be aware that some holiday decorations could cause tripping or other safety hazards.
  • Reminisce: Holiday gatherings offer the perfect opportunity to dust off old photo albums. Past photos can be helpful to stimulate conversation with your loved one about the times and moments they can still remember. You can also reminisce by talking about favorite traditions, playing holiday songs and tasting favorite foods.
  • Include your loved one in the holiday activities: Try to find easy tasks your loved one can participate in. Folding napkins, setting the table, making simple decorations with guests or even stirring in/fixing some ingredients for the meal. They’ll feel included, needed, and may have fun socializing with others in this type of controlled environment!

Above all, remember: Take time for yourself – keeping healthy is important to manage the physical and emotional demands of caregiving.  Make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. Should the stress of the holidays start to become more than you can handle, call our Helpline at 888-280-6055. Our trained and caring staff can offer you further advice, tips, and coping strategies.