How to Help Senior Parents During Their First Holiday Season With Alzheimer's

Even though millions of people all around the world find a lot of joy and peace in the holiday season, seniors living with Alzheimer's might not have such an easy time. Many seniors can get confused or overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Fortunately, there are some things that adult children of seniors with Alzheimer's can do to ensure that their senior loved ones feel comfortable and happy during the holidays. Here are some tips for how to help your senior parents navigate the busy season with ease, courtesy of Senior Helpers South Shore, MA.

Include Seniors in Activities and Events

If it is a senior's first holiday season with Alzheimer's, you might be consumed with the desire to keep things safe and comfortable for your loved one. However, keep in mind that seniors will still want to be included in family events and activities, especially ones that they have traditionally participated in. Let them contribute to activities like baking or decorating, and try not to micromanage them, even if that means some decorations might look less than perfect. In the end, keep the focus on the activity itself and the bonding time that it allows, rather than on the outcome.

Tone Down Decorations

Seniors with Alzheimer's can struggle with confusion and even overstimulation. To help with this, the Mayo Clinic recommends reducing clutter where possible. This could include choosing holiday lights that don't blink and opting for minimal holiday displays over large, ornate ones. This way, you will still be able to indulge in the festivity of the season and avoid confusing your senior loved one. You should also avoid rearranging any rooms or introducing any major redecorating project during the holiday season, to keep overstimulation at bay.

Have a Compassionate Conversation With Children

If you have young children, try to make time to have a conversation with them to set expectations regarding your senior loved one. While children might not understand the complexities and symptoms of someone struggling with Alzheimer's, there are some things that you can mention. Notably, try to help your children understand that the senior might be trouble remembering things and that everyone should work to be as patient as possible.

Senior Helpers South Shore, MA Offers Personalized Caregiving Services

Through it all, remember to avoid being "too" helpful - that is, don't overwhelm your senior parents with suggestions and assistance. Seniors will want to retain their independence as much as possible, even while dealing with some possibly difficult symptoms. With a little bit of adaptation and a lot of understanding, the holidays can be a wonderful time for everyone involved. If you want to learn about personal caregiving services that can make your life easier and help your senior loved one adapt to a healthy schedule, contact Senior Helpers South Shore, MA today! We proudly provide personalized caregiving services for seniors in and around the Brockton, Marshfield, Bridgewater, Quincy, Braintree, and Randolph areas.