Tips to Keep Those with Alzheimer’s Involved in Holiday Activities

The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be confusing and often aggravating for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Large, noisy holiday celebrations can be very stressful and create a great deal of anxiety. But that doesn’t mean your loved one has to miss out on the most wonderful time of the year! The following tips can help you create a fun and anxiety-free holiday atmosphere:

• Stretch out the celebration. If opening a lot of presents at once might create a disturbance, then open a few gifts at a time.
• Loud parties with lots of people may be too much stimulation for the family member with Alzheimer’s. Host small get-together visits instead, stretched out over several days.
• Keep a normal daily routine as much as possible, making the celebrations fit into the daily schedule.
• Create a soothing atmosphere by playing holiday music throughout the day. Mental grooves are deep for these tunes, which makes them especially soothing. Stick to oldies and classics you know the person enjoys.

Check out more ideas on enjoying the holidays with someone with Alzheimer’s.

Creating a calm, soothing environment for your loved one is important during this busy time of year, but there may be events that you and your family must attend that are not optimal for someone with Alzheimer’s. Contact Heartwarming Care in University Place to learn about our respite care services and how our experienced caregivers can help you create a pleasant holiday for your loved one.