Celebrating Holidays With Loved Ones Who Have Alzheimer’s

Trinity Life At Home, The Trusted In Home Health Care Professionals in Alpharetta, Offers Tips For Including Your Alzheimer’s Loved Ones In Family Holidays

December is a time for family and friends to come together and enjoy each other’s company.  For those with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s, the holidays can be challenging. Trinity Life At Home, in home health care professionals in Alpharetta, offers some tips for making the holidays special for all your family, including those struggling with Alzheimer’s.

 

The Impact of Alzheimer’s on Family Members

One of the biggest challenges for families with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is communication. As the disease progresses, it can be difficult for the individual to express themselves. This can be frustrating for both your loved one and the caregivers. For families, it can also be a struggle to adjust to the changes and manage their loved one’s care needs.

A loved one who has Alzheimer’s may not remember them, struggle with communication, or become agitated in unfamiliar surroundings. This can cause family members to feel overwhelmed and unsure how to include them in holiday celebrations.

 

The Impact of Holidays on Family Gatherings

With the December holidays approaching, it is essential to take special care when planning family gatherings with a loved one with Alzheimer’s.

This may include arranging transportation, planning engaging activities, and accommodating their dietary needs.

 

Tips for Interacting With a Family Member Who Has Alzheimer’s

If you have a loved one with Alzheimer’s, here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Make Socializing Easier: Socializing can be difficult for Alzheimer’s patients, so consider making it easier for them to participate in the festivities by having smaller group events. You can also enlist the help of a caregiver to provide extra support.
• Keep It Simple: Keep the holiday celebration simple by minimizing distractions like loud noises and bright lights. You could also have a designated quiet space where the family member can retreat if feeling overwhelmed.
• Speak Calmly and Slowly: Use simple and direct language. Speak slowly and use short sentences to help your loved one understand what is being said.
• Involve your Loved One:  Engage your loved one in activities that they enjoy. Whether it’s baking, watching football, or going for a walk, find activities they enjoy and include them in the celebration. Whether through story-sharing or simple questions, involving your loved one in the conversation can help them feel included.
• Create Familiar Surroundings: Make the setting as familiar as possible by bringing out old family photos, playing music from the patient’s younger years, and incorporating traditions that they’re familiar with.  For some people with Alzheimer’s, the flavors and smells of familiar foods can bring back pleasant memories.

 

Make The Holidays Special For All Family Members, Including Those With Alzheimer’s

Celebrating the holidays with your loved one, with some preparation and understanding, can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. Keeping the environment calm and familiar, including your loved one in the preparations, offering familiar foods, using simple and direct language, and involving them in the conversation, will make a positive impact on their quality of life.

 

 

Trinity Life at Home, the Trusted In Home Health Care Professionals for Alpharetta and North Fulton, Provides In-Home Memory Care and Daily Assistance

At Trinity Life at Home, we provide compassionate in-home memory care and daily assistance; offering families the peace of mind that their loved one is receiving the care they need in their home’s familiar, comfortable environment.

Let us help bring peace of mind to your family. Contact Us Now or Call Us at 678-731-0831.