Supporting a Loved One with Dementia During the Holidays

The holiday season is a time filled with joy, tradition, and togetherness. However, for families with a loved one living with dementia, this time can also bring unique challenges. While it’s natural to want to celebrate in familiar ways, it’s essential to recognize that a loved one’s needs may have shifted. By prioritizing their comfort and making thoughtful adjustments, families can create a more peaceful, inclusive holiday experience for everyone.

Putting Their Comfort First

The hustle and bustle that many look forward to during the holidays can feel overwhelming to someone with dementia. Instead of focusing on tradition alone, consider what your loved one can comfortably manage. Meeting them where they are means recognizing their current needs and prioritizing calm, familiar surroundings over elaborate celebrations. It’s a meaningful shift that prioritizes their emotional and physical well-being.

Adjusting Traditions Thoughtfully

Traditional holiday gatherings often include large family dinners, lively conversations, and perhaps even late-night celebrations. For someone with dementia, these events can quickly become overstimulating, leading to increased anxiety or agitation. Consider the benefits of smaller gatherings with close family members or adjusting the setting to be quieter and more intimate. Planning and discussing these changes as a family can help everyone understand that these adjustments are a way to put your loved one’s comfort at the forefront.

Opt for Daytime Celebrations

Late afternoons and evenings can be challenging times for those living with dementia due to a phenomenon known as “sundowning,” where confusion and agitation may increase as the day turns to night. Instead, try planning daytime gatherings, such as a quiet lunch or an early afternoon celebration. This allows your loved one to enjoy time with family in a more relaxed, well-lit environment, minimizing the risk of confusion and creating a positive, stress-free experience for everyone.

Simplifying the Surroundings

While holiday decorations can be beautiful, they can also be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Flashing lights, loud music, and a change in the typical home environment can all be disorienting. Instead, aim for a minimalist approach to holiday decor, choosing gentle, familiar touches that are comforting rather than stimulating. Soft lights, familiar decorations, and warm colors can help create a holiday atmosphere that feels welcoming without being overwhelming.

Thoughtful Gift Giving

Gift-giving is a beloved holiday tradition, but even a simple gift exchange can be confusing or overwhelming for someone with dementia. Rather than focusing on elaborate or extravagant gifts, consider presents that offer comfort and familiarity. Cozy blankets, favorite treats, sensory items, or activities that can be done together are meaningful options that can help your loved one feel valued and engaged without added stress.

Involving the Whole Family in the Plan

Having a family discussion ahead of time about changes to the holiday routine can be beneficial. This is a chance to share updates on your loved one’s health and explain why certain traditions may need to be modified or skipped. By setting expectations in advance, everyone can better understand the importance of creating an environment that supports the person living with dementia. This approach fosters empathy and ensures that everyone is on the same page, with a shared goal of prioritizing the loved one’s comfort and well-being.

Creating a Peaceful and Memorable Holiday Season

With the right preparation and mindset, the holiday season can still be a time of joy, connection, and warmth for families navigating dementia. By making thoughtful adjustments and emphasizing a simpler, more mindful approach, you can create an environment that feels safe, familiar, and welcoming. Remember, the heart of the holiday season is togetherness, and by centering on the needs of your loved one, you can foster meaningful moments and memories that bring peace and comfort to everyone involved.

In this way, the holiday season remains a cherished time for connection and love, even if traditions look a little different.

AlzBetter’s Dementia 360 Approach: Supporting In-Home Care

At AlzBetter, we recognize that many families prefer to keep their loved ones at home for as long as possible. Our Dementia 360 program provides caregivers with the tools, training, and support they need to manage dementia care in a home setting. From caregiver education to dementia-friendly activities, our comprehensive approach ensures families are equipped to provide high-quality care, while also protecting the well-being of both the person living with dementia and their family members.

Want to learn more about the Alzbetter Program? Email us at info@alzbetter.com or click here to book a 15 min call.