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Holidays with Alzheimer's Seniors

December 11, 2019

Holiday Tips for Howard County Alzheimer’s Caregivers and Families


How should families approach traditional holiday gatherings when a loved one has Alzheimier’s?

"Adult children who have one parent with dementia and the other as the caregiver should consider what is in the best interest of each parent when planning events. For example, while children might long to visit their parents with their families on one special day for the sake of tradition, that might be the last thing the caregiver desires. Mom might have been up all night caring for Dad and the house might be disorderly because she is too busy to clean.

Structure and routine are important for a person with dementia. If there is any change – like attending a gathering at another home – he or she could be out of sorts for the next few days, adding stress to the caregiver. Sometimes, it’s best for the loved one to stay at home and receive visits of 30 minutes or less from a small number of guests stretched out over a period of days. Keep the number of guests to a minimum; sometimes even having two extra people in the room can be too much stimulation."
 

Here are more Helpful Articles to help Howard County Family Caregivers have a Happy Holiday:

Adapting Family Traditions for an Aging Loved One
Sharon Roth Maguire, MS, RN, GNP-BC Chief Clinical Quality Officer, BrightStar Care shows that as our loved one ages, it can be a challenge to honor certain traditions around the holidays. Older adults may not have the energy or physical ability any longer to host or attend a large family event. And if they do feel up to it, many seniors are on a fixed budget, and the additional cost of the holiday meal can strain their finances. Click to read more: https://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/family-tradition-holidays

6 Holiday Safety Tips to Prepare for Your Parent’s Visit
Sharon Roth Maguire, shares her holiday safety tips, including fall prevention tips to help you fall-proof your home.  Click to read more: https://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/holiday-safety-tips-for-seniors

Smooth Traveling for Seniors This Holiday Season
How to make Travel easier for your elderly loved one and important things to remember that can help make traveling with a senior go smoothly.  Here are some great considerations for traveling with a senior or to share with elderly loved ones who may be traveling this holiday season.   Click to read more: https://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/smooth-traveling-for-seniors-this-holiday-season

BrightStar Care of Howard County knows family caregivers provide care around the clock and we offer support 24/7 providing a full continuum of private duty home health care services including companionship, personal care, transportation, medication assistance, and skilled nursing. We proudly serve Howard County, Columbia, Ellicott City,Laurel.Frederick.Clarksville, Westminster, Fulton, and Savage areas.

For more information on how BrightStar Care supports seniors and families, and to learn more about our local team of caregivers, skilled healthcare professionals, and home health care support for Howard County families and businesses – Please Click Here

Source:
https://www.newswise.com/articles/holiday-tips-for-caregivers-of-loved-ones-with-alzheimer-s-and-dementia