56 | NOVEMBER 28 • 2019
Boom
CKC MEDIA
Enjoy the Holidays
Keeping joy in the holidays when
your loved one has dementia.
W
hile the holidays
can be times of
great magic and
meaning, for those caring for
loved ones living with demen-
tia there are undoubtedly some
struggles. With some extra
care and planning, however,
both care partners and those
affected by the condition, can
enjoy special days during the
holiday period.
• Plan ahead. Discuss hol-
iday plans with family and
friends. Consider smaller
gatherings earlier in the day, if
possible, with a regular sleep
schedule. Naps can be helpful
for all.
• Set limits. It’
s OK to say
no to a gathering if it will be
too stressful for you or your
loved one living with demen-
tia. Focus on holiday traditions
that you enjoy the most.
• Ask for help. If you are
having company in your own
home, have someone to help
engage your loved one while
you are in the kitchen or enter-
taining guests. Friends and
family often want to help so
say “yes, please” to the dishes
or laundry being done. You
can also enlist friends or fam-
ily to stay with your loved one
if you want to attend a gather-
ing that wouldn’
t be a good fit
for them.
• Engage your loved one
living with dementia in the
planning of holiday gather-
ings. Assign a simple task to
do like setting the table, wash-
ing the vegetables or folding
the napkins. When people are
purposefully occupied, they
feel good about themselves.
• Help your guests engage
with your loved one. Remind
family members that although
your loved one may not
remember his name, everyone
likes a warm greeting and a
friendly smile. Don’
t ask, “Do
you remember me?” or “Who
am I?” Instead, make fun fam-
ily nametags for your gather-
ing. Familiar music and family
photo albums are great conver-
sation starters. Talking about
shared memories of the past
are a great way to connect. A
family singalong with familiar
tunes is a great way to involve
your loved one.
• Encourage “smart” gift
giving. Practical gifts for
people living with dementia
might include comfortable,
easy-to-remove clothing, CDs
of favorite music or a favorite
food. Another idea might be a
contribution to a respite fund
for the care partner and person
GRAHAM SAYRE, SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS
Dorothy and Peter Brown Jewish
Community Adult Day Program
participants enjoy a holiday party.
continued on page 58
We Help You Stay In
Your Own Home
Locally owned & operated
Marisa is dedicated to making
home care more personal and
affordable...because sometimes
you need a hand.
27698
Fr
ankl
i
n
Road
Sout
hfiel
d,
Mi
chi
gan
248.354.7600
marisahomecare.com