Sunday, 07 November 2021

How to support older family members during the holidays.

Imagine waking up alone on Christmas morning, with no one to share in the joy of the holiday with you. Imagine getting dressed the way you always do, having breakfast the way you always do, and watching TV as you always do nothing special about this day, no grandchildren squealing with delight as they tear open packages under the tree, no family dinner to look forward to later.

That is the scenario faced by tens of thousands of seniors who have no living family members or whose relatives who live far away and can’t visit at Christmastime. These seniors may come from a variety of faiths or backgrounds, but what they have in common is an estrangement from the holiday season, their faith traditions and all the seasonal merriment.

The holiday season can also be a very stressful time of year for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Preparing your loved one for the holiday season can help alleviate the stress and create a memorable experience together. Below are some tips to share with your family members on how they can prepare their loved one dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia for the holiday season.

1. Eliminate obstacles. If a holiday get-together is held in the home of an older person with memory impairment or behavioral problems, don’t rearrange the furniture. This could be a source of confusion and anxiety. If the gathering is in a place unfamiliar to an older person, remove slippery throw rugs and other items that could present barriers to someone with balance problems or who has difficulty walking.

2. Monitor medications and alcohol. If you have senior family members, be sure to help them adhere to their regular schedule of medications during the frenzy of the holidays. Also, pay attention to their alcohol consumption during holiday parties and family gatherings. Alcohol can provoke inappropriate behavior or interfere with medications.

3. Have a “quiet” room if things get too hectic for your loved one. Ask a familiar person to stay with them so they don't feel isolated or left out.

4. Be inclusive. Involve everyone in holiday meal preparation, breaking down tasks to include the youngest and oldest family members. Older adults with physical limitations can still be included in kitchen activities by asking them to do a simple, helpful task, like greasing cooking pans, peeling vegetables, folding napkins or arranging flowers.

The Holidays are a wonderful time of year. A time to reflect on the past, enjoy the present and look forward to the coming year. Plan ahead, and prepare yourself and your loved ones to enjoy this Holiday season.

More in this Category: