Hosting the Holidays as an Alzheimer’s Family Caregiver

Twinkling lights and festive songs herald the arrival of the holiday season, a time typically filled with family, joy, and tradition. When a loved one has Alzheimer’s, these occasions can feel different. Family members may wonder if they can still host as they did in past years or participate in cherished family traditions. While this season can bring its share of challenges for families dealing with cognitive impairment, with understanding and adjustments, it’s still possible to celebrate with our loved ones. Here are some tips to ensure a meaningful and comfortable celebration.

Prioritize comfort and familiarity: For someone with Alzheimer’s, the hustle and bustle of the holidays can be disorienting and stressful. Try to keep the atmosphere calm and avoid overstimulation. This means maintaining routine as much as possible and perhaps celebrating in a familiar setting that your loved one recognizes. Familiar holiday music played softly in the background and traditional decorations can evoke pleasant memories and feelings of safety.

Simplify your celebrations: Decorating and planning elaborate gatherings can be fun during the holidays. However, simplicity is key when involving a family member with Alzheimer’s. Smaller, quieter, and shorter festivities can prevent your loved one from becoming overwhelmed. It’s also smart to schedule gatherings earlier in the day when a person with Alzheimer’s is more likely to be alert and engaged. If you’ll be attending a spiritual service, consider sitting near an exit so you can leave discreetly if necessary.

Involve your loved one in the preparation: Engaging your relative in simple holiday preparations can help provide a sense of purpose and joy. Allow them to assist with manageable tasks such as setting the table, decorating cookies, or doing crafts. These activities can stimulate their senses and evoke positive emotions, helping them feel included in the festivities.

Foster a supportive environment: The holidays are a communal time, so ensure friends and family are aware of your loved one’s condition and are prepared to interact appropriately. Brief them on the best communication practices, such as speaking slowly and clearly, and being patient with responses. Encourage reminiscing about old times, but be ready to gently steer the conversation if it becomes confusing or upsetting for your loved one.

Adapt gift-giving: Traditional gift-giving can still be a part of your holiday, but with a focus on usefulness rather than extravagance. Consider gifts that your loved one can enjoy immediately, like comfortable clothing, photo albums, or music from their youth. These thoughtful presents can bring comfort and pleasure to a person with Alzheimer’s.

Monitor for overstimulation: Keep a watchful eye on your loved one for signs of fatigue or agitation. They may not be able to communicate their discomfort as clearly as before. If they seem restless or overwhelmed, it might be time to take a break from the festivities and allow them some quiet time.

Practice self-care: Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s can be demanding, and the added stress of the holidays can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Ensure that you also take time for rest and reflection. Accept help from others and don’t hesitate to reach out to support groups for additional resources, including emotional support. It may help to have a list of some tasks that family members can help with should they volunteer. These can include picking up groceries, bringing flowers, or wrapping gifts.

Celebrating Holidays with Heart

The holiday season is a time filled with cherished traditions and warm memories. At Right at Home, our caregivers understand the importance of preserving these special moments, especially for our beloved clients. Meet Sarah, a Treasured Member of the Right at Home Family!

Despite the challenges that come with aging, our dedicated caregivers have been there every step of the way to ensure Sarah continues to embrace and enjoy their favorite holiday traditions. From decking the halls to baking cookies, our caregivers have become an integral part of these joyous celebrations. This is how we do it!

Our caregivers bring the festive spirit to Sarah's home, transforming it into a winter wonderland that sparkles with holiday cheer. Baking and cooking are traditions that hold a special place in Sarah’s heart. Our caregivers join in, creating delightful treats and sharing the joy of delicious holiday meals. The holidays are about spending time with loved ones. Our caregivers offer companionship, ensuring Sarah feels the warmth of festive togetherness and shared laughter.

Thank You to Our Amazing Caregivers!

To our compassionate caregivers, thank you for going above and beyond to make this holiday season extra special, not only for Sarah, but all those you serve. Your dedication and heartwarming efforts truly make a difference.

Dealing with cognitive decline during the holidays can present unique challenges, but with thoughtful planning and support, it's possible to create meaningful and enjoyable experiences. Here are some pieces of advice for individuals, caregivers, and family members navigating cognitive decline during the holiday season:

• Simplify holiday traditions and celebrations to reduce stress. Focus on a few meaningful activities and familiar routines rather than overwhelming schedules.


• Involving the individual in holiday preparations to provide a sense of purpose. Simple tasks like decorating, wrapping presents, or preparing a favorite dish can be meaningful.


• It always good to Implement memory aids, such as old Christmas ornaments, and decorations, visual cues, to help the person remember a sequence of events during holiday gatherings.


• Encourage the sharing of memories. Looking at photo albums, watching home videos, or reminiscing about past holidays can be enjoyable and provide a sense of connection.

Patience, understanding, and a focus on creating a supportive environment can contribute to a more positive holiday experience for everyone involved.

Providing An Emotional Connection

Maintaining certain traditions can be beneficial for individuals diagnosed with dementia as it provides a sense of continuity, familiarity, and emotional connection. Consider the following as you enjoy the holidays.

• Family gatherings and celebrations offer a sense of togetherness. Keeping traditions related to holidays, birthdays, and special occasions can provide a comforting routine.


• Maintaining familiar mealtime routines, such as favorite recipes or specific dining traditions, can be comforting and enjoyable for individuals with dementia.


• Encouraging storytelling and reminiscing about past experiences can help individuals connect with their personal history and the people they love.


• Music often has a powerful impact on individuals with dementia. Singing favorite songs or listening to familiar music can evoke memories and positive emotions.


• If your loved one enjoys outdoor activities, maintaining routines like daily walks or outings to favorite places can provide a sense of normalcy.


• If spirituality or religion is an important aspect of the person's life, attending services with familiar practices can be meaningful.


• Reading books or sharing stories together can be a comforting and engaging tradition. Choose books that hold personal significance or are favorites.

When considering which holiday traditions to maintain, it's important to be aware of past holiday preferences, monitor their level of engagement and comfort, and be open to adapting traditions as needed. Additionally, involving caregivers and family members in supporting these traditions can enhance the overall experience for the individual.

Right at Home Can Help You During The Holidays

By remaining flexible, planning ahead, and communicating thoughtfully, people can have meaningful celebrations that include our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Right at Home Northwest Oklahoma City's care team members know how important family is, and their role in helping everyone enjoy their lives. Let us know if you need support!