Holiday Tips

                Christmas time is quickly approaching.  Holiday stress is the number one complaint from people at this time. Common issues:  not enough money for gifts, not enough time to visit everyone, not warm outside, or not being able to find that perfect gift. 

Many caregivers struggle with the holidays for many reasons.

No Longer Able to Participate in Past Traditions

                Many families feel the holiday no longer has any meaning if their parents or other members of the family can no longer participate in long held family traditions.

For example:  Growing up my Grandpa used to cut down a tree every year then we would all get together and decorate the tree, eat homemade cookies and hot chocolate, and sing Christmas carols at the piano.  As he became more and more confused because of Alzheimer's, this tradition was set aside and no longer done.  My sister would say that it was difficult to go to our Grandparents home because it just wasn't Christmas.

                Create New Traditions:

                Now we visit Grandpa in the nursing home and we decorate a tree in his room.  One of the grandkids provides the cookies and punch.   Afterwards we have a great time singing Christmas carols with any of the residents on the Alzheimer's Center.  Our new tradition not only helps our family but warms the holiday for all of the residents living on the center.

Unrealistic Expectations

                Remember to set realistic expectations for the family member with Alzheimer's.  It is a good idea to include your loved one in the festivities, but remember to prepare everyone in advance for any limitations he may have.  If there will be many people attending a party, make sure there is a safe place for your loved one to be able to rest in quiet.  Arrange the family get together during a time that is typically good for the loved one.  Avoid late afternoons or evening so that the loved one is not too worn out from the events of the day.  Do not take it personally if the loved one does fall asleep during the party. 

Gift Ideas

                The best gift ideas are items that will help give a person a sense of purpose using his past interests.  For example:  My grandpa is an avid fisherman.  Growing up I remember thinking he owned every fishing pole made.  So last year for Christmas I put together a fishing activity kit.  I used a fishing pole, bobbers, weights, rubber worms, ect.  He could add line to the pole, sort the bobbers and rubber worms, and can practice casting the line.  Other kits such as a laundry kit, tool kit, office kit, photography kit are all examples of gifts that would give a person a sense of purpose and value.  Memory boxes or scrap books are other gifts that would help stimulate memories and conversation during family visits.