The holidays can be tough for seniors, and for family caregivers too. If you’re taking care of a senior parent with Dementia, the holidays may not be a jolly time for you. The stress of caring for a senior parent with Alzheimer’s can make holidays feel difficult, especially when your senior parent no longer knows you or knows that it’s holiday time. Dementia home care providers can help family caregivers during this tough time of the year. During the holidays Dementia home care can provide either short-term or long-term respite care for family caregivers.
You can take the time you need to shop, wrap gifts, attend holiday parties, spend time with your kids, or take a family vacation. And while you’re gone your senior parent will be well-cared for by a care provider that has training and experience working with seniors throughout all stages of Alzheimer’s.
Some other things that family caregivers can do to avoid getting the holiday blues while caring for a senior parent with dementia during the holidays are:
Set Realistic Expectations
Acknowledge that the holidays may not be the same as they once were, and that’s okay. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved one with Alzheimer’s. Even though you may not be able to enjoy all of your family’s holiday traditions you can still make the most of the holidays by starting new traditions.
Communicate with Family and Friends
During the holidays family caregivers may isolate themselves because they don’t want to burden friends and family members or seem like they are being a “downer”. However, staying in touch with family and friends can provide the emotional support that you need to avoid depression during the holidays.
Modify Traditional Holiday Celebrations
Modify holiday celebrations to accommodate the specific needs of your senior parent. Consider smaller gatherings, quieter environments, and shorter durations for events. Focus on creating a calm and familiar atmosphere to reduce stress.
Your senior parent may enjoy helping you do holiday tasks even if they don’t enjoy them the same way that they used to. Bake cookies, wrap gifts, and enjoy holiday music together.
Create Memory-Friendly Spaces
If you are having a holiday party at your home make your home dementia-friendly by minimizing clutter, ensuring good lighting, and reducing noise. Create spaces where your loved one can retreat if they become overwhelmed, providing a calm environment to avoid sensory overload.
Take Breaks for Self-Care
Everyone needs a day off here and there, especially caregivers. Get dementia home care for your senior parent and treat yourself to a walk in the snow, an afternoon of pampering, or a cozy winter afternoon nap to give yourself a break.
Talk To People Who Understand
Connect with support groups, either in-person or online, where caregivers share their experiences. Seeking emotional support from those who understand the challenges of caring for someone with dementia can help banish some of the sadness of not having your senior parent be able to participate in the holidays the way they used to.
Remember The Happy Holidays From The Past
Get together with your family and remember the happy holidays you had in the past. Share stories, look at photos, eat the holiday foods that you used to love. Watch holiday specials and movies. It’s okay to feel joy.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Dementia Home Care Services in Jefferson GA, please contact the caring staff at Athens Advance Care, LLC today! (706) 705-2290
Providing exceptional home care in Athens, Watkinsville, North High Shoals, Winterville, Bogart, Commerce, Jefferson, Statham, Arcade, Bishop, and surrounding areas.
We understand that one solution does not fit every situation that’s why we take the time to listen and learn about each client’s needs and preferences.Understandably, most seniors prefer to stay in the familiar comfort of their own homes. This is more doable than you may think. We can arrange for non-medical visits performed by registered nurses and licensed home care aides. Our mission is to provide our clients with affordable private home care services. By providing your loved one with quality in-home care, your loved one will be in an environment that is familiar.
We are always trying to find new and better ways to deliver in-home care to our clients, family, and caregivers. It helps us connect with our communities, share our knowledge, be accessible 24/7, innovate, lead, and raise the bar. In fact, it has helped us create an in-home care experience we believe is second to none, and are confident you’ll agree.
Our company is based on the belief that our client’s needs are of the utmost importance. Our entire team is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of our business is from repeat clients and referrals.
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