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Supporting Individuals with Dementia During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us! This is a time that is often full of warmth and celebration of traditions. However, for people living with a dementia diagnosis and those who care for them, this time of year can bring increased levels of stress, overstimulation, and other challenges. Staying present, being patient, and planning can make all the difference. This article will highlight compassionate and practical tips to ensure that this holiday season stays meaningful and comfortable for everyone in the home!

Keep the Environment Calm and Predictable

Gatherings, especially during the holidays, which often involve many moving parts and out-of-town visitors, can be filled with increased noise and decorations. This can disrupt the routines that are typically in the home and cause a sense of overwhelm for someone with dementia. To reduce disruptions to routine, try to keep the familiar spaces uncluttered. Also, when attempting to decorate spaces in the home, try to do it gradually or room by room, so the environment does not change all at once. Simple décor may be best to keep some familiarity in the space intact. Keep the environment well-lit with soft lighting and try to have music playing at a soft or moderate volume. These tips can help keep the space predictable and familiar.

Prioritize Routines

Routines help with comfort. It is important to try keeping regularly scheduled meal times, sleep schedules, and daily rituals (e.g., walking at the same time of day). Small adjustments can be acceptable if not avoidable, but try to avoid major disruptions, as they may cause fatigue, confusion, or agitation.

Plan Short, Meaningful Activities

While some holiday traditions can be long and elaborate, they don’t always have to be in order to be special. Select activities that align with your loved one’s comfort level. This may be in the form of a familiar holiday song, looking through old holiday photos, or enjoying a family baking recipe. This can be an amazing time for connection.

Prepare Guests

Not everyone understands dementia and the changes that your loved one is experiencing. Have open and honest conversations with guests before gatherings so that expectations can be set and empathy can be encouraged. If applicable, please inform the guests that your loved one may require more time or become tired more easily. Encourage guests to be patient and use kind communication, speaking sentences simply and at a slower pace if needed.

Have a Retreat Space

Celebrating in shorter visits with fewer people may be more affirming for your loved one with dementia than a big, bustling party. However, if this is not possible, then try to have a retreat space. Planning is a powerful tool to reduce possible overstimulating environmental factors that can arise during a gathering. However, sometimes things go unplanned, and your loved one may need a space to take a break. Having a designated quiet and familiar room can be helpful. Incorporate their favorite comfort items into the space. Examples can include but are not limited to favorite blankets, music, and photo albums. Let them retreat as often as they need, and reassure them that it is okay to take a break. 

The Emotional Landscape

The holidays can cause us to reflect on memories. These may be joyful, and some may be bittersweet. Someone with dementia may experience moments of clarity or confusion. This can create an emotionally vulnerable space. Offering a warm hand or reassuring word can help validate their feelings.

Take Care of You, Too!

To all caregivers, whether family members or staff, you give so much of yourselves to help others. Your well-being is essential to maintaining your patience and compassion. Make time for you, too. Ask for support when you need it, and share responsibilities when possible.

We’re Here to Help

If you believe your loved one may benefit from additional support or need help adjusting caregiving hours during this time, please contact our office. We are here to help ensure that your family has comfort, coverage, and peace of mind throughout the season.

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Caregiving in November—National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month

November is recognized as National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. This marks a time to remember those living with a family member who has memory loss, along with the caregivers who provide care to them each day. Memory changes can be confusing and frightening, mainly when they affect a loved one. Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish between memory lapses caused by normal aging and those caused by another condition. This article will explore the fundamentals of memory change and guide on caring for individuals with dementia.

***Disclaimer: This article provides general information and does not substitute for or replace medical advice from a medical or mental health professional.***

Normal aging

While many types of dementia involve changes in memory, it is also essential to recognize the normal changes that occur in memory with aging. For example, with normal aging, slower speed processing and difficulty with word finding can occur without meeting criteria for a dementia-related diagnosis. Forgetting a word here and there or misplacing glasses can be a normal occurrence. The difference here is that function and intact memory of recent/important events are often preserved with normal aging. In other words, with normal aging, people can still maintain daily tasks and are aware of their forgetfulness.

Delirium

Delirium is often confused with dementia as well. However, delirium is an acute onset change in mental status with rapid progression and usually has an underlying acute cause. For example, in many older adults who contract a UTI, they can progress to have symptoms of delirium. Folks with delirium are often disoriented and have fluctuating symptoms throughout the day.

Depression

Depression in older adults can present with memory changes, including difficulty recalling information. Symptoms related to memory decline due to depression are often gradual and accompanied by mood disturbance. Folks with depression are usually not disoriented and do not have fluctuating symptoms throughout the day.

Dementia

Dementia typically has a gradual onset and progression. People with dementia can experience disorientation and have fluctuating symptoms throughout the day. Daily tasks can become hard over time. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia. Other types of neurocognitive disorders can include frontotemporal, HIV-related, Huntington’s, Lewy Body, Parkinson’s, Prion-related, Substance or Medication Induced, TBI/Vascular, Due to Other Medical Condition, Multiple Etiologies, and Unspecified. Some dementia risk factors include age, genetics or family history, sensory deficits, sedentary lifestyles, HIV, head trauma, and other medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and hypertension. Protective factors can include maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, practicing proactive vision and hearing care, and controlling blood pressure.

Caring for Someone with Dementia

When caring for a client with dementia, it is essential to establish a strong alliance with them. Remember, caring for someone with dementia is a journey in itself.  What works today may not work tomorrow. Here are ideas:

  • Set realistic expectations
  • Focus on connection, not perfection
  • Keep routines
  • Maintain familiar surroundings
  • Use reminders like calendars, clocks, and to-do lists
  • Schedule bathroom breaks
  • Encourage activity—dancing, walking, music, and art
  • Limit noise and clutter to avoid overstimulation
  • Offer choices
Safety Tips

Memory changes can change the way we approach safety. It is essential to plan. Here are some considerations regarding safety and changes to memory:

  • Driving: A lack of insight can lead to poor safety awareness (e.g., believing driving skills have not changed despite a dementia diagnosis). It is essential to discuss when it may be time to stop and plan for alternative transportation options
  • Medication: supervision can help prevent medication errors (e.g., pill boxes and pill reminder technology)
  • Food preparation: meal delivery services and cooking supervision can help ensure nutrition and safety
  • Financial management: plan with a trusted legal support and family member
  • Firearms: keep out of reach and minimize access by locking them away
  • Wandering: safety locks and door alarms help prevent your loved one from wandering
  • Falls: remove hazards like loose rugs to minimize injuries related to falls
  • Emergency information: post emergency numbers in clear view (e.g., on the refrigerator)
  • Elder abuse: watch for neglect or abuse (e.g., bed sores or malnutrition) and report it when you are concerned
Caring for the Caregiver

Caregiving requires heart, patience, and strength. Caregiving is so meaningful and rewarding. Caregivers, it is essential to take care of yourselves as well. We recognize that stress and burnout are genuine concerns. Unfortunately, it can also lead to unfavorable outcomes for clients. Utilize caregiver resources, such as support groups, respite programs, and self-care initiatives. Be sure to take breaks and ask for help when you need it to maintain your own health and continue caring for others with compassion.

We’re Here to Help

Every family and every individual with dementia is different. The journey to obtain the care needed to empower those with dementia does not have to feel isolated. Here at Oasis In-Home Care, we support older adults and their families by providing compassionate care and assistance. If you would like to discuss support options or receive guidance on our resources, please get in touch with the office. We want to make your home a safe and comforting place: an Oasis.

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Finding Comfort and Connection at Home This Halloween

Halloween is here, a time filled with pumpkins on porches, the laughter of children in costumes, and the crisp change of fall in the air. For many, it’s a season of lighthearted fun and nostalgia. But for older adults or those receiving in-home care, holidays like Halloween can bring a mix of emotions, fond memories, but sometimes loneliness or sensory overwhelm too.
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Understanding Dementia Care at Home

Caring for a loved one with dementia can be one of the most emotional and challenging experiences a family faces. As memory loss and confusion progress, daily routines that once felt simple, like preparing meals, taking medication, or even recognizing familiar faces, can become difficult. Many families want to provide the comfort and safety of home for their loved ones while ensuring they receive the professional care they need. That’s where dementia care at home becomes an invaluable option.
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