BLOG

Preparing for the Holidays

The holiday season is a time for togetherness, celebration, and reflection. For families with elderly loved ones—especially those living with dementia—holidays can bring both joy and unique challenges. Whether your loved one lives at home or in a care facility, you can create a warm and inclusive environment that ensures everyone feels cherished during this special time of year.

Why Inclusivity Matters

The holidays often evoke memories of family traditions, which can be bittersweet for someone with dementia. These traditions can provide comfort, but they may also highlight cognitive or physical changes. Ensuring your loved one feels included and supported can make the season less overwhelming for them—and more meaningful for everyone involved.

Tips for Including Elderly Loved Ones During the Holidays

1. Simplify the Festivities

• Keep gatherings manageable: For those with dementia, large crowds can be overstimulating. Host smaller, quieter celebrations when possible.
• Stick to familiar routines: Maintaining predictable schedules helps reduce confusion and anxiety.
• Decorate thoughtfully: Use simple, uncluttered decorations, as too many visual elements can be disorienting.

2. Involve Them in Activities

• Engage them in traditions: Even if they can’t participate fully, they may enjoy reminiscing about holidays past.
• Provide hands-on tasks: Simple activities like folding napkins, arranging flowers, or decorating cookies foster a sense of inclusion and accomplishment.
• Tailor activities to their abilities: Choose tasks that match their current skills to prevent frustration.

3. Create a Safe Space

• Designate a quiet area: Ensure a retreat is available if the festivities become too overwhelming.
• Monitor dietary needs: Plan meals that align with their dietary restrictions or preferences.
• Consider mobility: Arrange furniture and decorations to allow easy and safe movement.

Supporting Seniors in Care Facilities

If your loved one lives in a care facility, balancing their needs with your family’s celebrations can require extra planning. Here are ways to ensure they remain included:

Visit Meaningfully

• Schedule visits around their best times of day, often mid-morning or early afternoon, when they’re most alert.
• Bring small, familiar items from home, such as a favorite ornament, blanket, or photos, to help them feel connected.
• Engage in simple, shared activities like singing carols, flipping through a photo album, or reading a holiday story together.

Include Care Staff

• Collaborate with caregivers to understand your loved one’s needs and preferences.
• Consider small gifts or tokens of appreciation for staff, who work hard to provide care during the holiday season.

Bring the Celebration to Them

• Host a mini-holiday gathering at the care facility, inviting close family members for a brief, meaningful visit.
• Incorporate facility events, such as holiday parties or musical performances, into your plans.

Being Sympathetic to Their Needs

Living with dementia can be confusing and frustrating, both for the person experiencing it and for their caregivers. Compassion and patience are essential:

• Validate emotions: Acknowledge their feelings, even if they seem out of context.
• Prioritize connection: Sometimes, a warm smile, gentle touch, or listening to their favorite song speaks louder than words.
• Adapt to their mood: If they’re having a difficult day, adjust plans to meet them where they are.

Practical Tips for Caregivers

Manage Expectations

Update family members on your loved one’s condition and suggest ways they can engage meaningfully. Be realistic about what’s feasible, and focus on quality time over elaborate plans.

Enlist Support

Divide holiday responsibilities among family and friends to ease your load. Don’t hesitate to accept help—it allows you to focus on what matters most.

Take Care of Yourself

Supporting a loved one with dementia is deeply rewarding but can be exhausting. Make time for self-care, whether it’s a quiet moment with a book, a walk outdoors, or seeking support from a caregiver group.

Resources for Families Affected by Dementia

For more information and support, visit these trusted organizations:

• Alzheimer Society of Canada: Offers resources, education, and support for individuals and families affected by dementia.
• Dementia Friends Canada: Provides tools to help communities become more inclusive of those with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Association (U.S.-based): A valuable resource for understanding dementia and finding local support.

Balancing Love and Connection

The holidays are an opportunity to focus on what truly matters: connection, compassion, and love. Whether your loved one is living at home or in a care facility, thoughtful inclusion ensures they remain a cherished part of the family. By balancing their needs with the festivities, you can create a celebration that honors their presence and strengthens bonds across generations.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate the holidays with elderly loved ones? Share your tips in the comments below!