The holiday season can be a difficult time for families whose parents have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. While it's important to keep your parents actively engaged in their holiday traditions for as long as possible, it's also important to accept that some things may need to change this year. Here are some tips on how adult children can help their senior parents diagnosed with Alzheimer’s while still allowing them to maintain their dignity and autonomy.
Tasks and Traditions
When helping your senior parents prepare for the holidays, it's important to remember that they likely still want to do some tasks themselves. If you feel overwhelmed by all the little things that need to be done, break them down into smaller tasks that your parent can participate in comfortably.
For example, if baking is a family favorite at Christmas time, let your parent help measure ingredients or stir the batter while you handle the more complex steps such as preheating the oven or setting a timer. This will help keep them feeling engaged and productive while also allowing them to keep up with their cherished traditions.
At the same time, it's important not to become too helpful and take away all of your parent's autonomy; this could cause frustration and confusion. As much as possible, let your parents take part in whatever holiday activities and tasks they are comfortable with so they can still feel useful and independent.
Explaining Confusion And Frustration To Young Children
If young children are part of your family dynamic, it's natural that they will notice changes in behavior from their grandparents due to Alzheimer's disease. It's important to explain these changes gently but honestly, so kids understand what is happening without being scared or intimidated by any potential outbursts from Grandma or Grandpa during the holiday season.
Letting kids know that Grandma might not remember everyone's names but she loves them just as much is essential. It helps the young ones navigate complicated emotions when interacting with a grandparent with Alzheimer's disease during special occasions like the holidays.
Professional Alzheimer's and Dementia Care- Senior Helpers Boston North
Overall, navigating the holidays with Alzheimer's can be difficult, especially for adult children who want their senior parents to remain active participants, even though their memory may be impaired due to illness. By breaking down tasks into manageable parts, remembering not to over-help (which could lead to seniors feeling frustrated), and explaining changes gently but honestly to young children in the family, you will be able to set yourself up for a successful holiday season.
Senior Helpers Boston North is always available if you need more guidance on how best to approach different tasks or traditions involving elderly loved ones affected by dementia or Alzheimer's this holiday season. Our professional caregivers in Cape Ann, The North Shore, Peabody, Burlington, Merrimack Valley, Lexington, Marblehead, Newburyport, and Melrose are experienced in helping seniors adjust to their new way of life. Contact us today for more information.