A Routine That is Comfortable
As loving families, we want to interact with our loved ones diagnosed with Dementia/Alzheimer’s disease, and make them feel as comfortable as possible in their home, during the holidays. A most important part of keeping them happy is keeping their routine regular, because what’s familiar to them keeps them comfortable.
As we know, the holiday season brings about changes all around us, and in our own daily lives, so take a moment to see things from your loved one’s perspective. Here’s a list of helpful hints from our office to your home:
· Lights and decorations go up in our homes, which make them look different; if this bothers your loved one, think about keeping the space the same with minimal change or no change at all.
· During the holidays, our meals are different and at different times; try to keep all meals, meal times and exercises as routine as possible for them.
· Keep parties and functions to a minimum, and make sure they’re not overwhelmed with people, even if the guests are all family. Remember, a loved one with Alzheimer’s may not remember everyone as they used to.
· If you’re taking your loved one with Alzheimer’s to visit family, make sure to keep the visiting hours short and sweet. Plan a late arrival, and an early departure, so they don’t grow impatient and uncomfortable in a new place and situation. Also, if you know that the loved one does not fare well to new situations, instead of taking them out of the comfort of their space, perhaps have visitors come to them instead.
· Always keep an eye on the loved one and watch for signs of agitation or confusion, and plan ahead to be able to adapt any activity or schedule as needed.
· Do reminisce about the past and prepare dishes they’ve always loved, because loved ones with Alzheimer’s respond better to something they’ve felt, smelled, loved, tasted in their past, than anything new.
Do you have any advice to give regarding the holidays and how to help loved ones with Alzheimer feel comfortable? Or, do you need our help with these challenges? Send us an email at DementiaSolutions@gmail.com; we’d love to feature what you have to say in our blogs.
Karen Tyrell, CDP, CPCA, CDCP
Personalized Dementia Solutions
Personalized Dementia Solutions
