Find the right balance between holidays and caregiving

Holidays can be meaningful, enriching times for both the person with Alzheimer’s disease and his or her family. But, many caregivers may worry about the extra demands that holidays make on their time and energy. Here are some ways to balance doing holiday activities while taking care of your own needs and those of the person with Alzheimer’s disease: Set your own limits, and be clear about them with others. You do not have to live up to the expectations of friends or relatives. Involve the person with Alzheimer’s in simple holiday preparations, or have him or her observe your preparations. Observing you will familiarize him or her with the upcoming festivities. Participating with you may give the person the pleasure of helping and the fun of anticipating and reminiscing. Consider simplifying your holidays around the home. For example, rather than cooking an elaborate dinner, invite family and friends for a potluck. Instead of decorating the entire house, consider choosing a few special items to display. Encourage friends and family to visit even if it’s difficult. Limit the number of visitors at any one time, or have a few people visit quietly with the person in a separate room. Plan visits at the time of day when the person usually is at his or her best. Prepare quiet distractions, such as a family photo album, to use if the person with Alzheimer’s becomes upset or overstimulated. Visit our website to find more holiday hints for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers. Share this information on social media: Caregivers: find tips to help you and a person with Alzheimer’s visit with family, friends, and neighbors during holidays. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/holiday-hints-alzheimers-caregivers