4 Family Traditions to Enjoy This Thanksgiving If Your Parent(s) Have Alzheimer's
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4 Family Traditions to Enjoy This Thanksgiving If Your Parent(s) Have Alzheimer's

Thanksgiving is a day dedicated to spending time with family and friends, sharing a meal, reminiscing old memories, and giving thanks. However, when a parent is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, some old family traditions may overwhelm them, leading to confusion or anxiety.

There is also added stress from the hustle and bustle surrounding preparation for such a holiday. Here are some family traditions to make thanksgiving more enjoyable for a loved one with Alzheimer's and the rest of the family.

1.        Menu Planning

A thanksgiving dinner typically features a main dish like turkey and many side dishes arranged around it on the table. Many family members are involved in preparing these customary meals and desserts, which promotes unity.

When the meal is prepared, the entire family gathers together to enjoy the meal simultaneously. The interactions create positive reinforcement for people with Alzheimer's and can elevate their mood. Involve them in meal preparations since smiling, laughing, and hand touching creates infectious good vibes.

2.        Family Entertainment

Families always find ways to amuse and entertain one another when they get together for the holidays. Entertainment encourages social interaction among people of all ages. A holiday-themed movie is a great idea to bring enjoyment to everyone. Storytelling sessions and games like bingo are also entertaining.

A loved one with Alzheimer's will find entertainment enormously enriching and a great way to connect with family members. Instead of cautiously avoiding new challenges for family members with Alzheimer's, use the opportunity to develop their sense of identity.

3.        Thanksgiving Decorations

Create unique decorations to display in the house if you feel creative and believe your parents might like to get involved in the craft. When choosing decorations for your home, let their positive qualities serve a holiday mood. For instance, you might purchase several candles and personalize each with the word "thanks."

Another lovely item may be an empty jar that everyone can use to put their sentiments. Activities like this are engaging and comforting for people with Alzheimer's since they develop an appreciation for new things.

4.        Home Thanksgiving

A thanksgiving dinner where everyone comes together in their own home is more enjoyable. The familiarity of a location makes you feel comfortable and willing to spend more time there. You get to reflect on memories of the past years living in the home and growing up together.

Alzheimer's patients are more disoriented when they visit new locations. Your loved one could become agitated and frustrated due to this confusion. Avoid Thanksgiving gatherings at a relative's or a house you don't frequently visit. It ensures that a loved one with Alzheimer's enjoys the holiday and all its perks.

Final Thoughts

Family traditions are lovely, and changing them seems a difficult task to appreciate the new normal. The important thing to understand is that the best part of a holiday is the people involved. Create a more comfortable atmosphere for Alzheimer patients and ensure you have them engaged in the day-to-day activities so that they also have a good time.

Your loved one will still enjoy participating in the celebration, even if they cannot participate like in the past years. Senior Helpers Tulsa offers a wide range of home care services through trained caregivers to assure families that their loved ones are safe. We provide services in Tulsa, McAlester, Broken Arrow, and Sand Springs. Contact Senior Helpers Tulsa today for more information about our in-home care services.