How Can You Make the Holidays Easier for a Loved One with Dementia?

The holiday season can be a joyful time, but it can also present unique challenges when a senior loved one is living with dementia. With some thoughtful preparation, you can create a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. This guide offers practical tips to help you navigate the holidays with care and compassion.

Adjust Your Holiday Expectations

The holidays will likely look different after a dementia diagnosis, and that’s okay. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Large, noisy gatherings can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Instead, consider hosting smaller, more intimate get-togethers in a familiar setting. Prioritize the traditions that are most meaningful to your loved one and be prepared to adapt or let go of others. Remember, the goal is to create positive moments, not to replicate past holidays perfectly.

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of the exceptional dementia care Richmond Home Care Assistance is proud to provide for older adults. Families can rely on our professional caregivers to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life. 

Create a Dementia-Friendly Environment

Familiar surroundings are often a source of comfort for people with dementia. If you’re hosting, try to maintain a calm and recognizable environment.

• Minimize clutter – Keep walkways clear to prevent trips and falls.

• Reduce noise – Loud music and overlapping conversations can cause confusion and agitation. Opt for soft, calming background music instead.
• Use safe decorations – Flashing lights and elaborate decorations can be disorienting. Choose simple, familiar decorations and avoid using items that could be mistaken for something else, such as artificial fruit. Ensure electrical cords are safely tucked away.

A professional home caregiver can help your loved one enjoy holiday celebrations safely and comfortably. The type of home care service Richmond seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors.

Involve Your Loved One in the Preparations

Engaging your loved one in simple, safe holiday preparations can help him or her feel included and valued. The key is to choose activities that are enjoyable and not overly complex.

• Performing simple cooking tasks – Ask your loved one to help with tasks like stirring ingredients, rolling dough, or setting the table.

• Decorating together – Let your loved one hang familiar ornaments or arrange decorations in a safe area.

• Listening to music – Play your loved one’s favorite holiday songs to evoke positive memories and create a festive mood.

 

Focus on the process rather than the outcome. These shared activities are about connection and enjoyment.

Plan for a Calm Holiday Visit

Communication is crucial for a successful gathering. Inform your guests about your loved one’s condition and how they can best interact with him or her. Suggest that guests approach one or two at a time to avoid overwhelming your loved one.

• Designate a quiet space – Set aside a quiet room where your loved one can rest if he or she feels overstimulated.

• Stick to a routine – Try to maintain your loved one’s regular schedule for meals and rest as much as possible to minimize confusion.
• Keep visits short – Shorter, more frequent visits are often better than one long event. Pay attention to your loved one’s cues and be prepared to end the gathering if he or she shows signs of distress.

You can keep your loved one safe and comfortable during the holidays as well as the rest of the year by hiring a professional caregiver. Some seniors only require help with a few daily tasks so they can maintain their independence. However, those living with serious illnesses may need more extensive assistance. Luckily, there is professional live-in care Richmond seniors can rely on. Home can be a safer and more comfortable place for your loved one to live with the help of an expertly trained and dedicated live-in caregiver. For compassionate, reliable in-home care, trust the experienced professionals from Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our dedicated Care Managers today at (804) 207-4746 to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.