Share:

The holidays are one of the most wonderful times of year, but they can be very stressful for people with special needs and their loved ones. All of the activity may overwhelm or overstimulate them. Adult day services can help families manage the holidays. Here’s what you need to know.

Creating a Safe Holiday Environment for a Special Needs Loved One

1. Bring Food & Supplies

If your special needs family member is a picky eater, they may not find food they like to eat at holiday parties. They deserve to have meals that make them feel happy, too. Bring favorite foods to your adult day care services facility so they don’t feel left out when holiday food is served. Consult the facility for ideas about what to prepare and how to transport it.

Also, if they have belongings that  comfort them—perhaps a stuffed animal or a favorite sweater—bring these with you when you attend a holiday party. They may keep your loved one calm and happy. If they want to withdraw for a time, an iPad or a book will occupy them until they’re ready to rejoin.

2. Keep Routines in Place

adult day servicesThe change in routine can upset the disabled over the holidays. When nothing feels consistent, they may have difficulty. Maintain your family’s routine as much as possible. If you send a loved one to an adult day services center every morning, let them keep going. Wake them up and help them get to bed at the same time as usual. To help a special needs adult feel in control, also eat dinner around the same time when possible.

3. Take Two Cars

Sometimes meltdowns happen. If this occurs during a holiday event, you may want to take your family member home as soon as possible. If you take two cars to holiday outings and parties, your family can remain at the party while you drive your special needs adult home.

 

If your special needs loved one could benefit from adult day services, contact Coulee Region Adult Day Center in Onalaska, WI. Their one-of-a-kind facility keeps special needs adults engaged with activities like sidewalk chalk, games, and stories. Their one-to-four staff ratio exceeds state requirements and allows lots of one-on-one interaction. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (608) 519-2306 to speak to a caregiver.

tracking