If there's anything the year 2020 has taught us is that we can't take the time spent with our loved ones for granted. For many, the next couple of weeks will be spent in family get-togethers, observing long-time holiday traditions, and partaking in grand feasts.
Yet, with so many plans in motion, loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's and their caregivers may be in for some additional challenges during this time. The good news is that with a little preparation and planning, holiday traditions can be modified to create a dementia-inclusive experience that accommodates everyone.
Ways to Make Holiday Traditions Dementia-Inclusive
For our beloved seniors and their caregivers in Lawrence, Andover, Methuen, North Andover, Haverhill, and Essex County, below are a few fun family activities and traditions everyone, including our loved ones with dementia, can enjoy.
The Way to Anyone's Heart Is Through the Stomach
Tis' the season to enjoy sweet, savory treats. Baking and making meals with loved ones are great ways to connect and wistfully reminisce on good times past. Talk to your senior family member living with dementia when making signature holiday dishes like pies, brownies, or your family-recipe green bean casserole.
However, don't get too carried away and forget to keep a close eye on your loved one, as the kitchen can be a potentially dangerous area for a person with cognitive challenges. For one, give them tasks that don't require interaction with hot surfaces. You could also fit into your cabinets housing toxic chemicals and sharp utensils using safety locks. Lastly, temporarily store your kitchen mats and rugs away to negate falling risks.
Unleashing the Holiday Movie Marathon
Watching classic holiday flicks like Scrooge, Miracle on 34th Street, or A Christmas Story has never been easier, thanks to Netflix, Disney Plus, HBO, and other streaming platforms. It's a good way to bond with your senior loved ones as it helps unearth some of their childhood memories. Remember, people with dementia and Alzheimer's have an easier time accessing long-term memories than short-term ones.
It's also a way of hanging out as a family, especially if your beloved senior has mobility difficulties. Besides cranking up old movies, putting on some familiar, classic music can actively engage your elderly loved one. It's no secret that emotions and memories are closely tied to music. While they may have trouble recalling what they had for lunch the previous day, there's a good chance that they’ll know all the words to "Have a Holly Jolly Christmas." Consider having a family singalong of their favorite tunes. You can even put on a musical to get the best of both worlds.
Decorating for the Holidays
Holidays and decorations go together like peanut butter and jelly. Artistic endeavors help seniors tap into their inner selves, and it can be a way for them to express how they feel and how much they value you and the rest of the family. After making wreaths, ornaments, lanterns, and other decorations, you could go around the house or apartment and spruce it up for the festivities.
Be careful to avoid flashy or loud adornments as they may cause the elderly with dementia some confusion or agitation.
Senior Helpers Will Brighten Up Your Holiday
Spending time together as a family is good for the spirit. This goes double if you don't get to hang out often during the rest of the year because of school, work, and other commitments. It's an opportunity to remind your senior loved ones that they're cherished and loved.
Alzheimer's and other dementia-related conditions shouldn't limit how you interact with your seniors. It can be an opportunity to modify holiday traditions to guarantee an all-inclusive celebration. If you require some assistance or guidance on how to make the season more relaxing and fun for seniors, contact Senior Helpers. We provide premiere in-home senior care services in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, Haverhill, North Andover, and Essex County.