Holidays and Alzheimer's

The holidays are typically a joyous time, a time for friends and family to come together, a time for food and festivities. Holidays with a person coping with Alzheimer’s disease can be a challenge. The activity and noise can be confusing, the gatherings of people can be disruptive, and the lights and sounds can be upsetting. There are things you can do to help make the holidays more manageable.

1. Minimize the loud noises that we often associate with the holidays. A football game on television, holiday music and multiple conversations around a person with Alzheimer’s can be confusing. A calm, quite gathering is usually best. Limiting the number of people at a gathering can also help with the noise factor.

2. Keep decorations simple. Blinking lights and decorative displays can be confusing. Avoid artificial fruits, which can be mistaken for real food. In addition, do not use candles or decorations with an open flame.

3. Keep the day short so that it is not over-stimulating or over-tiring. The same is true for travel.

4. Whenever possible, hold events in familiar places. This will help minimize confusion for a person with memory loss.

5. Engage the person with Alzheimer’s but keep it simple and familiar. Putting ornaments on a tree, decorating cookies or singing familiar holiday songs can be enjoyable options.

6. If the person lives in a facility, try bringing them home for a short visit once or twice beforehand. If the home visit seems too stressful, consider visiting the facility instead. This will help minimize confusion and agitation.

7. Schedule festivities and visits for the best time of day for the person with Alzheimer’s. Typically morning or early afternoon is better than later in the day.

8. Consult a Geriatric Care Manager to assess your loved one and develop a plan of care to help you manage the holiday season.

Celebrating the holidays with a person coping with Alzheimer’s disease requires some planning and may require a change to the prior year’s routine. Following these steps will help make the holiday joyous and less confusing for the person with memory loss. Remember, although Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s ability to remember, they can still enjoy the holidays in the moment.

By Heather Frenette, RN, MSN, CMC

Chief Operating Officer- Arizona Care Management