Holiday Celebrations for People with Dementia
As the holidays draw near, many families are looking forward to parties and special traditions. However, for those with dementia and their families, the season can feel overwhelming.
Celebrating with Loved Ones Who Have Dementia
If your loved one has dementia, celebrations may require some adjustments, but they can still be an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Here are several tips to help create a joyful holiday season with respect to your loved one’s needs.
Prepare with Family Members
Other family members, especially children, may not know how to interact with the individual who has dementia. It’s important to have a conversation prior to the holiday event where you can discuss expectations and answer any questions they may have.
Looking at family pictures, reading stories, playing simple games, or even cards can be ideas of quiet fun. Many once-serious card players retain the amazing ability to still play the games they once regularly played! You can always adjust the rules to make it easy and enjoyable. Keep loud noises (children’s screams, fighting, or particularly loud music) and stimulation to a minimum. When our kids get together, fun always seems a little louder! Separate some of the more lively and fun chaos into different areas, so there are alternative spaces for people to enjoy your holiday get-togethers.
Keep Celebrations Simple
Familiar activities are comforting to older adults with memory conditions, but be sure the celebrations are manageable for everyone involved. For many older adults with dementia, morning and afternoon are the times of day when they’re most alert. For this reason, consider hosting a brunch instead of dinner.
Additionally, try to keep gatherings smaller and shorter to avoid overstimulation. Or wisely choose the best times to have Grandma or Grandpa be part of the celebration. Use familiar music, decorations, and routines to help trigger happy memories. Whether there is hearing impairment, dementia, or both, make a cozy and quiet place where smaller groups or one-on-one conversations can take place. This allows for a much more intimate setting for our loved ones, as well as quality time together.
For instance, Mom, Dad, and their newborn can spend some intimate holiday time with Grandma or Grandpa. Maybe our loved ones’ siblings can be a group or individual visit. Grandkids may need an adult present if they’re younger to help guide connection. Bringing some of their artwork to view is a good idea, or looking at family vacation photos. Sharing how you remember this event, what you did, and how fun it was is a better way to bring them on the journey your pictures are depicting instead of asking if they remember. That approach truly helps alleviate stress. This kind of setup really makes it easier for our loved ones to enjoy family without being overwhelmed.
Make sure there’s a quiet place for a nap. That will make a world of difference in what sometimes can be a longer day. Know your loved one’s routine and try to stick as close to it as you can. They may miss some of your favorite traditions, but keeping them from becoming overwhelmed and overstimulated is the goal. Read the situation, and be ready to adapt quickly and as needed without fuss.
Adapt Holiday Foods
While holiday meals are a big part of the season’s festivities, dementia can affect a person’s taste buds, as well as their ability to hold utensils. Your loved one may not be able to enjoy their favorite foods in the same way as in years past. Offer small portions of their favorite, easy-to-chew holiday foods, and consider finger food options if needed. Not filling the plate and having space between foods is also a good way to keep feelings of overwhelm at bay.
Adjust Gift Giving
To make gift-giving easier for your loved one, choose items that will elicit positive and safe feelings, such as a soft blanket or simple puzzle. When giving gifts, sit in a calm, quiet space and limit the number of gifts to avoid overwhelming them. While material items can be thoughtful, remember that the best gift you can give your family member is time, patience, and understanding.
Create New Traditions
In addition to participating in the usual holiday traditions, don’t be afraid to start new family customs, particularly if they work better for your loved one’s current abilities. Whether you do things in smaller groups or adapt and create some individualized moments, many traditions can easily be adapted. Driving around looking at holiday light displays, making cookies together, enjoying hot chocolate, decorating a particular area of the house or tree, or creating a holiday memory box together. If your loved one is able, spend some time with them watching a classic holiday film. We have a wonderful past blog post with a list of Classic Specials & Movies to Brighten Seniors’ Holidays.
Let Visiting Angels Handle the Details this Holiday Season
At Visiting Angels East Valley, we pride ourselves on providing high-quality dementia care to our clients in Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, and the surrounding communities. If you could use support for your family member who has dementia, we are happy to help customize a care plan that meets your loved one’s unique needs for the holidays and beyond.
For more information or to schedule a free consultation, reach out to Visiting Angels East Valley today by calling 480-833-8247 or filling out our contact form.