With the holiday season right around the corner, many people are preparing to spend time with family and friends. However, for those who are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s, getting ready for holiday festivities can sometimes be a challenge. Often, people miss the way things used to be, and caregivers may be faced with extra work. Here are a few helpful tips for spending the holidays with someone with Alzheimer’s.

3 Holiday Tips for Loved Ones With Alzheimer’s

1. Check On Them

If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, they may experience minor changes such as withdrawing from socializing. This means that someone who once enjoyed spending time with family and friends and participating in hobbies may become disinterested and withdrawn. In this case, you should check on your loved one. Ask them how they are doing and discuss holiday plans with them. Taking this initiative will help you find activities that will bring them happiness and let you know which ones may be too stressful for them. 

2. Create a Safe Environment

It’s not uncommon for people with dementia to have some disorientation and become confused about where they are. Toning down your holiday decorations and eliminating blinking lights may reduce confusion. You should also avoid large decorations that alter the overall look and arrangement of a room. To help your loved one stay calm, you can play their favorite music at a low volume. Making these adjustments may be a little different from your previous holiday decor traditions, but they will help foster a calm environment and help reduce disorientation.

3. Involve Your Loved One

While dementia may make your loved one forgetful and less social, there are still ways you can involve them in holiday festivities. For instance, you can engage them in meaningful activities that bring them comfort, such as watching a favorite movie or looking through a family photo album together. You can also involve them in holiday preparation. If their abilities allow them to do activities like measuring ingredients for holiday cookies or wrapping presents, let them do so. Not only will this help them feel included, but it will also allow you to spend quality time with them.

If your loved one with Alzheimer’s needs more care than you can provide this holiday season, Olive Branch Estates in Chanhassen, MN, can help. This senior living community specializes in memory care for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Their committed team of knowledgeable professionals attends to the unique needs of each resident, in addition to dementia-friendly dining and stimulating activities. Call (952) 448-4800 today to schedule a tour of their community, or visit them online to learn more about their services.