ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – With Thanksgiving approaching, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is sharing simple steps that families caring for loved ones can take, to help people affected by dementia-related illnesses have a great holiday.
The AFA said because of the way dementia impacts the brain, certain aspects of a celebration can be distressing for people with the illness.
“Being proactive and prepared in advance can help mitigate a lot of potential problems or issues that could arise that can help reduce stress, which is critically important for any caregiver. You want to facilitate positive interactions, you want to reduce stress, you want to make it as safe and comfortable and enjoyable for your loved one and yourself as possible. That’s why it’s so important to take these small steps that can make a big difference and help lead to a happy Thanksgiving for everybody,” said Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Director of Media Relations Chris Schneider.
So, what should you do?
- Schedule the celebration early and incorporate the person’s routine. Individuals living with dementia can “sundown,” a syndrome which could cause agitation and confusion in the late afternoon to early evening hours. Adding a celebration with a house full of guests can impact these symptoms. Consider holding the celebration earlier in the day to make your loved one feel more comfortable. Changes in daily routine are challenging for someone living with dementia, so to the greatest extent possible, plan the celebration around an established routine.
- Prepare everyone involved prior to the celebration. Try to familiarize your loved one with all guests beforehand by showing photos, sharing stories, or arranging a phone or Facetime chat prior to the celebration. You could also make an invitation to the event to share with them so they know details and that it will be happening. Consider sharing beneficial information with guests about your loved one: ways to communicate with the person, what they respond well to, and what may cause distress. These details are particularly important if guests have not seen the person recently, and they will help facilitate positive interactions and engagement.
- Keep your loved one involved. Make adaptations that enable your loved one to participate in the celebration. Focus on what they can currently do and invite them to help by preparing ingredients for a simple dish, setting the table, decorating, and other activities. Playing familiar music or going through old photos are good ways to reminisce and bring joy and positive feelings to the celebration. For intergenerational activities, try singing familiar songs together, doing art activities, and sharing a snack.
- Make a quiet space available. Prepare a quiet place away from the crowd where the person with dementia can go if the celebration becomes overwhelming. Provide familiar comfort items in the space (i.e., favorite blanket, sweater, stuffed animal) to help them feel safe and at ease. Try to control the flow of visitors when possible; those in early stages are better able to interact than those in later stages.
- Plan for help. Preparing and holding a holiday gathering can be stressful, even without the additional responsibilities of caring for a loved one with dementia. Relatives and friends might be eager to help but may not know how. Don’t be afraid to let them know what you need, whether you are asking them to bring a dish, help with cooking, shopping, or decorating, or spending time with your loved one while you are preparing for the celebration.
For anyone planning on traveling by plane or on the roads with someone who has a dementia-related illness, Schneider said the important thing is to build in breaks and try to plan motor travel around the person’s routine.
“For instance, if they do certain things better during the morning than at night, try to build travel around that. If you’re taking a road trip, build in time for breaks to use the restroom, to get out and walk around that. If you’re going to use mass transit, then make sure you notify, whether it’s an airline or train, that you’re traveling with someone who has dementia. Familiarize the person living with dementia of those security procedures so that they are familiar,” said Schneider.
TSA CARES is a traveler assistance program that can help individuals living with dementia. Find that information here.
Caregivers who have any other question relating to dementia or caregiving can contact the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s Helpline, seven days a week, by phone 866-232-8484, text message 646-586-5283, or web chat www.alzfdn.org.
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