Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, December 18, 2018
(UNDATED) - Holiday celebrations are often joyous occasions that families look forward to all year, but they can be challenging for the millions of people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 5.7 million people in the U.S., and more than nearly 16 million people care for someone with the disease.
"The changes in daily routines, large gatherings and noisy environments that often accompany the holidays can be stressful for people living with Alzheimer's," said Natalie Sutton, Executive Director, Alzheimer's Association, Greater Indiana Chapter. "We want to ensure that the 110,000 Hoosiers living with the disease - and their families and caregivers - know they aren't alone, especially at this time of year."
To help families navigate these challenges, the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter is offering these simple tips to ensure an enjoyable holiday for all.
Prepare Your Guests: The holidays are full of emotions, so let guests know what to expect before they arrive and tell them how they can help. Suggest activities to engage the person with Alzheimer's or best ways to communicate with them. Crosstalk or simultaneous conversations can be challenging for people living with Alzheimer's, so it may be helpful to engage them one-on-one or in smaller group settings.
Build on traditions and memories: Take time to experiment with new traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit with your caregiving responsibilities. If evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch or brunch.
Involve the person living with Alzheimer's: Depending on abilities and preferences, make sure to keep the person with Alzheimer's involved in the celebrations, such as packing cookies in tins or helping wrap gifts.
Plan ahead: When attending a holiday party, prepare the host for special needs, such as a quiet room for the person to rest when they get tired, away from the noise and distractions.
Adapt gift giving to ensure safe and useful gifts: Diminishing capacity may make some gifts unusable or even dangerous to a person with dementia. If someone asks for gift ideas, suggest items people living with the disease can easily enjoy, such as comfortable clothing, favorite music, videos, and photo albums.
More holiday tips and local resources can be found by visiting https://alz.org/indiana. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline also provides reliable information and support to all those who need assistance. Call the helpline toll-free anytime, even holidays, at 800-272-3900.
About the Alzheimer's Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.
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