Holiday Tips, Programs Offered For Alzheimer’s Caregivers

Thanksgiving traditionally heralds the start of the holiday season during the same month observed as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. The season is busy enough for many, but for those with Alzheimer’s disease and the ones who care for them, the holidays present a challenging flavor of hectic.

“During this time when we honor loved ones with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, it is fitting to offer them what we consider the top four tips to making the upcoming holidays as joyous as possible,” said Marcie Albanesi, executive director of senior living community The Village at Brookfield Common in Brookfield.

1. Adjust expectations. Make sure to speak with those who will be visiting with you and your loved one with Alzheimer’s on what can and cannot happen during the visit, and what your caregiving responsibilities are.

“Make it clear that this year’s celebration may be modified,” Ms Albanesi said. “Because those with memory impairments thrive on routine, something as small as changing the time when dinner will be served may be disruptive.”

Remind your visitors that their loved one may not recognize them, and that one introduction may not be enough. He or she will enjoy their company regardless, especially if visitors simply sit down next to him or her and offer a warm squeeze of the arm or hold their hand.

2. Involve person with memory disorder in safe holiday preparations. Your loved one will feel involved if he or she can assist with simple holiday preparations. Setting the table, stirring cookie batter, and hanging ornaments are all activities that are safe and manageable.

“By all means, encourage a loved one with Alzheimer’s to be part of the holiday preparations, because it will make them feel useful, and this has a positive impact on self-esteem,” Ms Albanesi said.

Also key, again, is to keep the routine as close to normal as possible. Use past experiences and events to provide opportunities for reminiscing. Place photo albums of past holiday celebrations on display, and perhaps provide a special showing of holiday videos from yesteryear.

3. Don’t overdo. It is easy for people with memory impairments to become fatigued, which can lead to emotional and behavior changes.

“Be flexible with the time and place of celebrations,” Ms Albanesi said. “Instead of a late night party, try an afternoon event or a brunch. Keep traveling to an appropriate level. Plan your celebrations so that you and your family member have time to rest.”

Have visitors and other family members keep an eye on whether the person is getting tired. If that is the case, they can go sit together for awhile in a quiet, comfortable place.

4. Adapt gift giving. For those who will be giving your loved one holiday gifts, let them know what would be useful. Ms Albanesi offers the following gift suggestions:

*Comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing

*A colorful scarf

*A completed memory or scrap book

*Photos or videos of loved ones

In related news, family members of loved ones with memory impairment are invited to a monthly “Family Information Series” beginning at 7:30 pm, Wednesday, December 17, at The Village at Brookfield Common, 246-A Federal Road.

Karen Sion, MA, art education, and Harbor Program director, will discuss “Dementia and the Use of Art.” The programs are designed to provide support and valuable resources to family members of those with memory impairment.

The workshop is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling The Village at Brookfield Common at 775-8696.

 The Village at Brookfield Common offers independent living, assisted living, the Lighthouse Club for mild cognitive impairment, and the Harbor Program, which provides specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other memory impairments.