Holiday Tips for Caregivers

It's not unusual for you to experience that added stress during the holiday season. As a caregiver, try a couple of these tips to experience less stress.

Create New Traditions
Many families feel the holidays no longer hold any meaning if their parents or other members of the family can no longer participate in family traditions.

For example: Growing up my grandfather used to cut down a tree every year then we would all get together and decorate the tree, eat homemade cookies and hot chocolate, and sing Christmas carols at the piano. As he became more and more confused because of Alzheimer's, this tradition was set aside and no longer done. My sister would say that it was difficult to go to our Grandparents home because it just wasn't Christmas.

Now we visit Grandpa in the nursing home and we decorate a tree in his room. One of the grandkids provides the cookies and punch. Afterwards we have a great time singing Christmas carols with many residents in the Alzheimer's Center. Our new tradition not only helps our family, but warms the holiday for all of the residents living in the center.

Set Realistic Expectations
Many caregivers will set unrealistic expectations for their loved one who has Alzheimer's disease. They want them to be able to experience the joy that comes with the holiday season and being with family, but then get frustrated when their loved one can't participate in all the festivities that are going on around them. It is a good idea to include your loved one in the festivities, but remember to prepare everyone in advance for any limitations he or she may have. If there will be many people attending a party, make sure there is a safe place for your loved one to be able to rest in quiet. Arrange a family get together during a time that is typically good for the loved one. Avoid late afternoons or evenings so that the loved one is not too worn out from the events of the day. Do not take it personally if the loved one
falls asleep during the party.

The Perfect Gift
Family members often struggle with finding the perfect gift for a loved one with Alzheimer's The best gift ideas are items that will help give a person a sense of purpose using his or her past interests. For example: My grandfather is an avid fisherman. Growing up I remember thinking he owned every fishing pole made. So last year for Christmas I put together a fishing activity kit. I used a fishing pole, bobbers, weights, rubber worms, etc. He could add line to the pole, sort the bobbers and rubber worms, and can practice casting the line. Other kits such as a laundry kit, tool kit, office kit, photography kit are all examples of gifts that would give a person a sense of purpose and value. Memory boxes or scrap books are other gifts that would help stimulate memories and conversation during family visits.

Remember to set realistic expectations and to focus on the love and comfort of family and friends.