Monday, 09 December 2019

Dealing with dementia amidst holiday gatherings

The festive season is a time for joy, indulgence, relaxation, and family events. However, when you have a senior loved one who is suffering from dementia, it can prove to be both stressful and exhausting too. The great news is that, with a bit of extra planning and care, it can be possible to involve your loved one seamlessly in all of the festivities, create new memories, and savour every moment spent in each other’s company. Here is how to go about it. 

Make your loved one comfortable

People who have been diagnosed with dementia may have a difficult time being in crowded spaces or surrounded by others with whom they are not familiar. As such, it can help to keep festive gatherings small and intimate and to remind everyone to try to keep things as calm and as low-key as possible. If the celebrations do start to get a bit rowdy, consider investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones for your loved one. That way, they can still be around their nearest and dearest without feeling overwhelmed.

Explain their condition to other guests

You will need to take the time to explain your senior loved one’s condition if you have invited new friends around for the holidays. This will also be necessary if extended family is visiting and they have not spent much time with your loved one since their diagnosis. Encourage them to acknowledge your loved one and not to be afraid to interact with him or her as long as they do so calmly and for shorter periods of time. You will also need to explain to other family members that he or she may not respond in the same way that he/she used to if they choose to try to treat him/her as they always did. Remind them not to take offence and ensure that they actually comprehend the impact that a disease like dementia has on a person's mind and memory.

Be there to reassure

It can be difficult to remain constantly at your relative’s side when there is so much going on and so much to do during the festive period. However, it is important that you take a few moments here and there to reassure them, or to get something to help them feel a bit more comfortable.

Depending on the circumstances and if at all possible, it may prove helpful to have their live-in companion present during family gatherings to help ensure that things run smoothly and without incident.

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