The holidays are a time when family and friends often come together. But for families living with Alzheimer’s and Dementia the holidays can be challenging. The Guest House provides a safe, family atmosphere for your loved ones during this special season of sharing time with the ones you love. Here are some helpful tips to help you involve the person with dementia into your holiday festivities…

  • Build on past traditions and memories 
    Focus on activities that are meaningful to the person with dementia. Your family member may find comfort in singing old holiday songs or looking through old photo albums.
  • Involve the person in holiday preparation 
    As the person’s abilities allow, invite him or her to help you prepare food, wrap packages, help decorate or set the table. This could be as simple as having the person measure an ingredient or hand decorations to you as you put them up. (Be careful with decoration choices. Blinking lights may confuse or scare a person with dementia, and decorations that look like food could be mistaken as edible.)
  • Maintain a normal routine 
    Sticking to the person’s normal routine will help keep the holidays from becoming disruptive or confusing. Plan time for breaks and rest.

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