The holiday season brings families together for celebration, joy, and connection. But when a loved one is living with dementia, these special moments can also present unique challenges. Balancing the excitement of holiday festivities with the needs of someone experiencing cognitive changes can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, with a bit of thoughtful planning, family members and caregivers can create an inclusive celebration that allows everyone to fully enjoy the season. Here are some simple ways to help your senior loved one with dementia feel loved and included in your holiday celebrations.
Create a Familiar and Relaxed Environment
A large gathering or new setting can be very overwhelming for someone with dementia. To alleviate feelings of stress or agitation, host parties in a familiar, comfortable location, like your loved one’s home or a close relative’s house. Keep decorations simple and avoid excessive noise or bright lights, as this can be overstimulating.
Plan Activities Around Their Schedule
Seniors with dementia may experience fatigue or confusion, especially during loud or busy celebrations. Consider scheduling holiday activities during times when your loved one typically feels their best—whether that’s in the morning, following lunch, or after a period of rest. This thoughtful timing will help them engage fully without becoming overwhelmed or exhausted.
Involve Your Loved One in Holiday Tasks
Invite your loved one to participate in simple, hands-on activities that don’t require difficult instructions. Tasks like helping set the table, folding napkins, or decorating the tree can help them feel involved without overwhelming them. These activities not only foster engagement but also reinforce their sense of purpose.
Reminisce About Past Holidays
An effective way to engage a loved one with dementia is to take time to reflect on memories. You can do this in a variety of ways including looking at old family albums or sharing stories from past holidays to evoke positive emotions. Music also has a remarkable ability to unlock memories. Playing holiday songs from your loved one’s past can awaken memories and foster a sense of joy.
Provide a Quiet Space for Rest
Busy holiday gatherings can quickly become overstimulating for someone with dementia. Set up a quiet area where they can retreat if they need a break from activities. This space should be calm and comfortable, allowing them to recharge and feel secure amidst the holiday excitement.
Prepare Family and Friends
Helping family and friends understand your loved one’s dementia can create a supportive environment during holiday gatherings. Share tips for effective communication, such as using clear, simple language and giving your loved one time to respond. This preparation can foster understanding and patience, leading to more meaningful, positive interactions.
Stay Flexible
Most importantly, recognize that the holiday season may not go exactly as planned when caring for a loved one with dementia, and that’s perfectly okay. Flexibility is key; embrace any unexpected challenges and be prepared to adjust plans as needed to keep things comfortable and enjoyable. Remember to celebrate small moments of joy—whether it’s a shared laugh, a familiar song, or a warm hug with your loved one.
Memory Care at The Preserve of Roseville
The holidays are an opportunity to create meaningful memories, even as your loved one’s needs evolve. If you’re seeking further support in caring for a loved one with dementia, it may be time to explore specialized memory care options.
At The Preserve, we offer compassionate care, structured routines, and a safe, enriching setting tailored to meet the needs of those with dementia. During holidays, we offer engaging activities that allow families to celebrate together without the added stress of caregiving.
To learn more, contact The Preserve of Roseville today.
