10 Tips for Dementia Caregivers to Make the Holidays Less Stressful
The holiday season can be a stressful time for anyone – but especially for her Living with dementiaas well as their carers and relatives.
Statistics show that an estimated 6.7 million people over the age of 65 in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia.
Nearly 90% of adults in the U.S. now report it experiencing stress during the holiday season, according to the American Psychological Association.
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“The Holiday time “can be confusing and overwhelming for people with dementia, and also a stressful time for their family caregivers who care for them every day,” said Jessica Corona-Irwin, an Ohio-based registered nurse and certified dementia practitioner at Remo Health, a virtual dementia care company.
“One-on-one interactions can be easier than conversations in larger groups because individuals feel included and valued,” said one expert. (iStock)
“One reason for this is that the holiday season often brings changes to daily routines,” she told Fox News Digital. “People with dementia often have to follow a daily routine. This consistency can help them feel more confident and reduce anxiety.”
Several experts shared the following tips to help dementia patients: family members and carers enjoy a smooth, stress-free holiday.
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1. Prepare family and friends in advance
Kate Granigan, board president of the Aging Life Care Association in Boston, Massachusetts, recommends explaining any changes in your loved one’s behavior, memory or communication before holiday gatherings, especially if others are unfamiliar with dementia.
“A little preparation and understanding will help create a more positive atmosphere.”
“Encourage visitors to be patient, avoid corrections or interruptions, and give your loved ones time to express themselves,” she suggested to Fox News Digital.
“A little preparation and understanding will help create a more positive atmosphere.”
2. Be as consistent as possible
Corona-Irwin says it’s important to try to keep meal times, bedtimes and other daily activities around the same time during the holiday season.
“If changes are necessary, make them gradually and communicate them clearly,” she advised.
One expert recommended involving your loved one in familiar traditions, such as stirring cookie dough or singing familiar songs, to “inspire joy and a sense of inclusion.” (iStock)
“For example, if you’re planning a holiday meal at a different time, a tip is to move the usual meal time a few days in advance so your loved ones can adjust smoothly.”
3. Simplify the environment
According to Dr. According to Dr. Tina Sadarangani, an NYU tenured professor, it’s best to keep the dementia patient’s environment as simple as possible geriatric nurseand founder of the CareMobi app and The Enlightened Caregiver.
“Stick to familiar and nostalgic decorations and avoid flashing lights or loud noises that may be overstimulating,” she suggested.
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The theme of simplicity should extend to activities, Corona-Irwin said.
“Prioritize activities that are easy and fun, such as: “Like listening to your favorite holiday music, looking at old family photos, or participating in gentle sensory activities,” she suggested.
“These can be very calming and bring joy without causing stress.”
4. Communicate clearly and patiently
According to Dr. According to Michele Nealon, president of the Chicago School, a nonprofit graduate school focused on psychology and related behavioral sciences, following conversations can be difficult for many people with dementia, especially when the environment is busy and noisy.
When choosing gifts for someone with dementia, experts recommend considering comfort and joy. (iStock)
“Use clear language, make eye contact, and give your loved one extra time to respond or not respond,” advises California-based Nealon.
“One-on-one interactions can be easier than conversations in larger groups because individuals feel included and valued.”
5. Embrace familiar traditions
Sadarangani also recommends involving your loved one in familiar traditions, such as mixing cookie dough or singing familiar songs, to “inspire joy and a sense of inclusion.”
“Sensory activities like listening are calming.” Holiday musicTouching soft decorations or enjoying the scents of the season can also evoke positive feelings without overwhelming them,” she added.
“Accept that holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.”
Focus on what they can do rather than their limitations, suggested Sadarangani.
“Involve them in simple, meaningful tasks like folding napkins or looking through photo albums,” she said. “Planning short, flexible activities can prevent fatigue.”
6. Keep the room quiet
Holidays tend to be louder and busier than usual, which can be overwhelming for someone with dementia, Nealon noted.
“If you can, provide a quiet room or room where they can retreat and relax when needed,” suggested one expert. (iStock)
“If you can, provide a quiet place or room where they can retreat and relax when needed,” she suggested to Fox News Digital.
“Set up the room as calming as possible, with soft lighting, familiar objects and soft music to create a feeling of calm.”
7. Prioritize self-care
For caregivers, Sadarangani emphasized the importance of setting realistic expectations and Prioritizing self-care.
“Accept that holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful and enjoy moments of connection, however small,” she advised.
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To reduce stress during peak season, caregivers should seek help when needed.
“Nursing work can be physically and emotionally demanding, and even brief moments of peace can go a long way toward reducing stress and preventing burnout,” Nealon said.
“Ask for help, assign tasks to family members, and involve the family in cooking, decorating, and cleaning.”
“Nurses can’t handle everything, and especially not alone.”
8. Choose thoughtful gifts
When choosing gifts for someone with dementia, Nealon suggests looking for comfort and joy.
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“Items like simple puzzles or a warm sensory blanket can provide much-needed comfort and joy,” she suggested.
9. Swap the TV for music
According to Hannah Karim, care expert and director of online care finder Lottie, watching TV can be difficult for some people with dementia as they may struggle with the storylines.
“It’s important to validate their feelings and reassure them.”
“This Christmas, replace the TV with the radio – or a specially curated dementia-friendly playlist – as these are easier to follow,” recommends Karim, who lives in the UK
“Music has many benefits for health and well-being, particularly for those living with dementia,” she continued. “Research shows that music can help reduce anxiety and inspire joy while recalling fond memories Christmas parties from the past.”
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Listening to the family’s favorite Christmas songs during the holidays can also help create shared memories for everyone, Karim added.
10. Validate her feelings
Emotional support is just as important as physical care, Corwin-Irwin emphasized.
“Your loved one might feel it sad, anxious or overwhelmed “During the holidays,” she said. “It’s important to validate their feelings and reassure them.”
“Stick to familiar and nostalgic decorations and avoid flashing lights or loud noises that could be overstimulating,” suggested a geriatric nurse. (iStock)
According to Corwin-Irwin, you can do this by letting them know that it’s okay to feel the way they do and that you are there to support them.
“Simple gestures like holding their hand, a hug, or sitting quietly with them can be incredibly calming,” she added.
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Sadarangani added, “By focusing on creating a calm, inclusive environment and appreciating meaningful moments, you can ensure the holidays remain a source of joy and connection for your loved ones and family.”
