The holiday season can be a stressful time for everyone – but especially for those who don’t Living with DementiaAs well as their caregivers and loved ones.
Statistics show that 6.7 million people in the United States over the age of 65 have Alzheimer’s disease, the most common type of dementia.
Meanwhile, about 90 percent of American adults report Coping with stress During the holiday season, according to the American Psychological Association.
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“Give Holiday season Dementia can be confusing and overwhelming for those living with it, as well as a stressful time for the family caregivers who care for them every day,” Ohio-based Registered. Jessica Corona-Irwin, a nurse and certified dementia practitioner at RemoHealth, a virtual dementia care company, said.
“One-on-one interactions can be easier than large group interactions, because the individual feels included and valued,” said one expert. (iStock)
“One of the reasons is that during the holiday season there are often changes in daily routines,” she told Fox News Digital. “People living with dementia often need to maintain a daily routine. This consistency can help them feel more secure and reduce anxiety.”
Several experts shared the following tips to help dementia patients: Family members And caregivers enjoy a smoother, less stressful vacation.
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1. Prepare family and friends in advance.
Kate Granigan, board president of the Aging Life Care Association in Boston, Massachusetts, recommends explaining any changes in your loved one’s behavior, memory or communication before holiday gatherings, especially if others are unfamiliar with dementia. I am
“A little preparation and understanding helps create a more positive environment.”
“Encourage visitors to be patient, avoid correcting or interrupting, and give loved ones a time to express themselves,” she advised Fox News Digital.
“A little preparation and understanding helps create a more positive environment.”
2. Be as consistent as possible
According to Corona Arun, try to keep meal times, bedtimes and other daily activities around the same time during the holiday season. Must do.
“If changes are necessary, make them gradually and communicate them clearly,” he advises.
One expert recommends involving your loved one in familiar traditions, such as rolling cookie dough or singing familiar songs, to “instill a sense of joy and inclusion.” (iStock)
“For example, if you’re planning a holiday meal at a different time, one tip is to start changing the meal routine a few days in advance to help your loved one adjust more easily. found.”
3. Simplify the environment
According to board-certified Dr. Tina Sudrangani, a professor at NYU, it’s best to keep a dementia patient’s environment as simple as possible. Geriatric Nurse Practitionerand founder of the CareMobi app and The Enlightened Caregiver.
“Stick to familiar and vintage decorations, avoiding flashing lights or loud noises that can be too stimulating,” she advises.
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Corona Arun said that the theme of simplicity should be extended to activities.
“Prioritize simple and enjoyable activities, such as listening to favorite holiday music, looking at old family photos, or engaging in gentle, sensory activities,” she advises.
“These can be very comforting and bring joy without causing stress.”
4. Communicate clearly and patiently.
For many people with dementia, it can be difficult to follow a conversation, especially when the environment is too busy and noisy, according to Dr. Michelle Nealon, president of the Chicago School of Psychology and Related Behavioral Sciences. A non-profit graduate school. .
When choosing gifts for someone with dementia, experts recommend considering their comfort and enjoyment. (iStock)
“Use direct language, make eye contact and give your loved one extra time to respond or don’t respond at all,” advises California-based Nealon.
“One-on-one interactions can be easier than large group interactions, because the individual feels included and valued.”
5. Embrace familiar traditions.
Sadarangani also recommends involving your loved one in familiar traditions, such as stirring cookie dough or singing familiar songs, to “create a sense of joy and inclusion.”
“Sensory activities such as quiet listening Holiday musicTouching soft decorations or enjoying the scents of the season can also evoke positive emotions,” she added.
“Accept that holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.”
Siddrangani advised them to focus on what they can do instead of their limitations.
“Involve them in simple, meaningful tasks like folding napkins or flipping through photo albums,” she said. “Planning short, flexible activities can prevent fatigue.”
6. Provide a quiet space.
Nealon notes that the holidays tend to be noisier and busier than usual, which can overwhelm someone with dementia.
“If you can, have a quiet space or room where they can retreat to rest if needed,” advises one expert. (iStock)
“If you can, have a quiet space or room where they can retreat to rest if needed,” she advises Fox News Digital.
“Set up the room to be as relaxing as possible with soft lighting, familiar objects and soft music to create a sense of calm.”
7. Make self-care a priority.
For caregivers, Sudrangani stressed the importance of setting realistic expectations. Prioritizing self-care.
“Accept that holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful and embrace moments of connection, no matter how small,” she advises.
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To help lighten the load during busy seasons, caregivers should enlist help when needed.
“Caregiving can be physically and emotionally exhausting, and even brief moments of relaxation can go a long way toward reducing stress and preventing burnout,” Neylan said.
“Ask for help, delegate responsibilities to family members and involve the family in cooking, decorating and cleaning.”
“Caregivers can’t do it all, and certainly not alone.”
8. Choose gifts thoughtfully.
When choosing gifts for someone with dementia, Neylan recommends considering their comfort and enjoyment.
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“Items like simple puzzles or warm sensory blankets can provide much-needed comfort and pleasure,” she suggests.
9. Change the TV for music.
For some people living with dementia, watching television can be difficult, as they may struggle with stories, according to Hannah Karim, lead care expert for online care finder Lottie.
“It’s important to validate and reassure their feelings.”
“This Christmas, swap the TV for the radio — or a specially curated dementia-friendly playlist — as it can be easier to follow,” advises Karim, who is based in the UK.
“Music has many health and well-being benefits, particularly for people with dementia.” “Research has found that music can help reduce anxiety and induce happiness while Christmas celebrations from the past.”
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Karim added that listening to the family’s favorite Christmas songs during the holidays can also help create shared memories for everyone.
10. Validate their feelings.
Corwin-Irwin notes that emotional support is just as important as physical care.
“Can feel your love. Sad, worried or overwhelmed During the holidays,” she said. “It’s important to validate and reassure their feelings.”
“Stick to familiar and vintage decor, avoiding flashing lights or loud noises that can be overstimulating,” advises one geriatric nurse practitioner. (iStock)
According to Corwin-Irwin, you can do this by letting them know that it’s okay to feel their behavior and that you’re there to support them.
“Simple gestures like holding their hand, hugging them or sitting quietly with them can be incredibly comforting,” she added.
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“By focusing on creating a calm, inclusive environment and cherishing meaningful moments, you can ensure that the holidays remain a source of joy and connection for your loved one and your family,” added Sadarangani.