Dr. Lucy’s Holiday Survival Guide for Dementia Caregivers: Tips for Joy and Ease

 
Hello Dr Lucy here with holiday tips for those caring for someone with dementia! Holidays canbe a stressful time of year and when you add in caring for a loved one with dementia the holidays can be more than a challenge. I saw this time and time again as a Registered Nurse who cared for patients and their families with dementia for over 40 years.

Left’s Get to the Tips

To ensure a joyous and low-stress holiday with your loved one who has dementia, some upfront planning is crucial. Begin by finding key factors that will guide the creation of a simple yeteffective holiday plan. Start by understanding certain aspects about your loved one and their behaviors before the holidays begin. Here are a few questions to address:

1. In a group setting, does your loved one:
- Withdraw and appear uncomfortable?
- Desire to engage in conversations?
- Enjoy the group but only for a brief period?
By answering these questions, you can devise the best approach to engage your loved one whilefostering a stress-free environment for the entire family. Let your family know if your loved one wishes to chat and suggest keeping the interactions easy and uncomplicated. To prevent boredom or confusion, rotate family members who engage in conversation.

However, if your loved one tends to withdraw in a group, involving them in holiday preparations with fewer people may be more beneficial. If they are willing and able to take part, engaging them in preparation activities can be a wonderful way for them to be involved.

Another helpful practice is to create a holiday calendar that everyone can follow. This calendarshould outline the daily events and activities leading up to the holiday. By doing so, your loved one can actively choose which activities they want to be a part of and anticipate when things will occur.

What is the best way to preparing family members for interactions with a loved one who has dementia?

Honesty is the best approach. Inform your family about your loved one's dementia diagnosis and how they are doing, this will facilitate a smoother holiday experience. Challenging behaviors like repeated questioning can be frustrating for those around, so sharing strategies such as acknowledgement and diversion can be helpful. For instance, responding to a repeated question with, "Yes, Granddad, I hear you asking that. By the way, do you know who said they love you? Your granddaughter Kim, she is..." can provide a distraction.

Altering the physical environment can also help shift their focus.

 
How to keep my loved one’s routine during holiday preparations to avoid disruption or confusion?

Consistency is crucial for individuals who may experience confusion due to changes in people, situations, and surroundings. This is particularly important during the holiday season when numerous activities take place. Ensure your loved one gets sufficient sleep and maintains goodnutrition. These factors are key to a successful holiday season. Plan meals and activities around their routine, allowing them to remain grounded while still enjoying the festivities. Be attentive to their stress levels and potential triggers for anxiety or other behaviors and modify routines accordingly.

How can I as the primary caregiver for my loved one take care of myself and truly enjoy the holidays amidst the responsibilities of caregiving and holiday traditions?

Being organized is paramount in reducing stress. Chart out a plan for holiday events in advance and find tasks that can be completed ahead of time, as well as who can provide assistance. By sharing the workload with family and friends, everyone will feel involved and supported. Additionally, doing tasks in advance can alleviate stress. Most importantly, after the holiday season, be sure to treat yourself to something special—a spa day, getting your nails done, a hike in the woods, or a nice dinner out. Engaging in activities that nourish and rejuvenate you will help you continue to care for your loved one during the holidays and beyond. Prioritize self-careand remain mindful of it throughout the season. A little planning can be the key to a stress-free holiday time.

Dr Lucy Andrews [email protected]

Moments Unlocked: A 52 Week Dementia Activity Book on Amazon link:

https://www.amazon.com/Joyful-Moments-Unlocked-Dementia-Activity/dp/B0D71QH5K3