Enjoying the Holidays When a Loved One Has Dementia

The holidays are upon us. This is the time of year that can bring opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter, and making memories.

The holidays are upon us. This is the time of year that can bring opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter, and making memories. But when a loved one has dementia, there can also be stress, disappointment, and sadness.

While a person living with dementia, their family, and caregivers may find the holidays challenging, even overwhelming, at times, it is still possible to continue some traditions and even start new ones to have an enjoyable time.

We’ve culled a variety of tips from several sources that we hope can help make your together time special.

Keep your loved one involved in the celebration
Consider what they would enjoy
Build on past traditions and find new ways to connect
Be sensitive to the person’s needs
Maintain the person’s normal routine
Consider holding the gathering at brunch or lunch, because some people with dementia experience fatigue or confusion later in the day
Interact directly with the person, rather than his or her caretaker
Be a good and patient listener, because some people may need longer to formulate their responses to questions
Invite the person to participate in a non-stressful way, perhaps by helping set the table or fold napkins, depending on his or her level of function
Try to interpret unexpected behaviors
Have realistic expectations as circumstances change
Provide a quiet place where the person can spend some down time, if needed
Be open with family and friends about the person’s abilities
Plan to travel appropriately
When traveling, allow extra time, slow down and plan for breaks, and take advantage of the times of day when the person is most attentive

The Alzheimer’s Association also offers some suggestions and resources on its website that families navigating this time of year with a loved one with dementia might find beneficial.

Check in with the person living with dementia
Involve the person with dementia
Familiarize others with the situation
Adapt gift giving
Adjust expectations
When the person lives in a care facility

By making a few adaptations and preparations, family members and caregivers can help their loved ones living with dementia have a happy holiday celebration.

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