As Thanksgiving is approaching, families throughout Burnsville who have a senior parent who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's may feel like the holidays may never be quite the same again. However, there are still a lot of different Thanksgiving traditions that you can enjoy, even if you have a parent who is living with Alzheimer's. Ensuring that activities are safe and memorable are some of the biggest keys to creating a Thanksgiving that your entire family will cherish and enjoy.
The following are 5 great family traditions to enjoy this Thanksgiving if you are living with a parent that has Alzheimer's:
Break the Wishbone
After you have an amazing Thanksgiving meal as a family, be sure to break the wishbone with your senior parent. Make a wish (and don't tell anyone)! This old-time tradition gives you a chance to look toward the future with hopes of a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year to come in 2023!
Create Name Tags for Thanksgiving Dinner
You and your loved one will have a great time making a fun "craft" or design that can double as name tags for your Thanksgiving dinner table. The craft can be a simple design such as a cornucopia or a turkey that has a space for each person's name on it. These add a festive touch to your Thanksgiving table, and can be fun to make with their loved ones! Cutting out the design with safety scissors (to avoid injuries) and writing the person's name on it helps everyone know where to sit at Thanksgiving dinner and gives everyone a little souvenir to take home so that they will remember what a fun Thanksgiving they had!
Make a Thanksgiving Dish Together
If your loved one has one delicious dish that they always made for each Thanksgiving, help your parent remake that dish in a safe and appropriate environment. Whether they always made the pumpkin pie or their signature stuffing or mashed potato recipe, they will still be contributing something to the Thanksgiving dinner that everyone can enjoy. Be sure to help your parent by doing any "dangerous" parts of the preparation such as using sharp knives or putting hot containers into the oven. Safety is the key to helping you both enjoy creating something delicious to share with the entire family.
Watch a Classic Holiday Movie
Reminisce about the past by enjoying a good Thanksgiving movie that you and your parent both enjoy. Some classics that you might want to try watching include "Miracle on 34th Street (1947)", "Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving (1973)", "Garfield's Thanksgiving (1989)", or "Home for the Holidays (1995)". Remembering the past and enjoying a good movie together is always a great way to wind down during a busy holiday season.
Plan Your Black Friday Shopping
If your parent still loves to go shopping, then considering if you are going to participate in Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals will help you plan to spend your money as wisely as possible. These sales are especially great if you need to buy something this holiday season. Look through the newspaper ads and determine where the best deals are and plan ahead. One great place to try to go shopping if you are up to it is the Mall of America, which is less than 10 miles from Burnsville proper. Other, smaller shopping centers in the area will have great deals as well.
If your parent is in need of a big-ticket item like a TV or appliances like a dishwasher or refrigerator, sometimes you will find great deals - not only on Black Friday - but all throughout the holiday season.
These are 5 awesome activities to do with your senior parent who has Alzheimer's while you and your family enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday together. For more fun activities and ideas, feel free to check out the City of Burnsville's website to find more great activities going on throughout the holiday season that both you and your parents can enjoy together!
If You Need a Caregiver for Your Parent
Senior Helpers Burnsville offers caregiver services throughout the Saint Paul area as well as nearby towns like Cottage Grove or Hastings. Please feel free to contact us for more information. We are here and happy to help you find the best at-home care for your loved one this holiday season. We are here to give you peace of mind knowing that your loved one is safe and happy during the most wonderful time of the year.