Caregivers have a lot to cover during the season, and we’re here to help

Tri-County Home Care knows, if you are caring for a loved one or an aging parent during the holidays, planning takes on an extra level of detail. As we look at our holiday traveling or festivities, we have to remember to accommodate and prepare in order to alleviate some of the holiday stress from them and you.

Of course, those not caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia likely doesn’t understand why the holidays can be so stressful for them, but you understand. Any changes to a routine, the sudden appearance of folks not always around, the sense that others are having experiences they don’t quite understand… navigating all the questions and anxiety from these situations and more merely add to your challenges this time of year. That said, preparation and taking advantage of the small moments can help relieve much of that stress, believe us.

Preparing someone with Alzheimer’s for the holidays

As the temperatures cool and decorations begin to go out for the holidays, a walk around the neighborhood can quickly remind them that the season is upon us. It is a perfect time to look at pictures of the people coming to visit, or to address why there won’t be a visit this year out of an abundance of caution. If you are having family or a small group of friends over during the holidays, it is a good idea to have a “quiet room” at the ready if things get too hectic for your loved one.

However, due to COVID restrictions, there may be fewer visitors out of necessity. No matter how many there are, name tags can be very helpful, if your loved one is like many Alzheimer’s patients who recognize faces but don’t always recall names. And if there are no visitors, be sure to play familiar holiday music and serve their favorite traditional holiday foods so they feel connected to everyone else’s experience.

Preparing yourself as a caregiver

For this too, Tri-County Home Care has one constant piece of advice above all others: Plan ahead.

Prepare distractions beforehand to divert their attention if your loved one begins expressing problematic behavior. Plan to take breaks regularly. Plan to not feel guilty over the things you can’t control or change. Plan on asking and accepting help from friends and family. If you don’t already belong to a caregiver support group, plan on joining one and sharing your feelings. Support groups are an excellent way to get tips and insights on how to care for someone with Alzheimer’s.

The most important preparation is to set limits on what you are able to do, and make sure the family understands your needs and wishes.

How to prepare everyone visiting

Encourage them to visit, so long as you feel comfortable with the prospect, but request they call ahead to make sure it is a good time. Research “Sundowner Syndrome,” and request everyone get together earlier in the day or have a holiday lunch rather than dinner. Try not to have too many people over at any one time and prepare your guests with behavior or condition assessments beforehand, so there are no shocks.

And if YOU are visiting a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia?

  • Watch for signs of fatigue or agitation and be ready to keep the visit brief
  • Bring pictures, or favorite albums, or other things to share from the past that might spark some recognition
  • Confirm the best time for a visit with the caregiver, and offer to do something for *them* (like running an errand or preparing a meal)
  • Encourage chatter about the old days. Many times, Alzheimer’s patients will remember events from 30 years ago better than something that happened 30 minutes ago
  • Steer clear from talking about your problems, depressing topics, or their condition
  • Avoid judgement
  • Give the gift of yourself

The holidays are an amazing time of year, offering opportunities to reflect on the past and take joy from the present, all while looking forward to whatever comes next. If the idea of the holidays or the upcoming year of caregiving contributes to your anxiety, consider scheduling a free consultation with Tri-County Home Care today. You can call 954.923.0695 in Hollywood and Broward County, or 561.922.9178 of Boca and Palm Beach County, to receive in-home healthcare services of the highest standards, over the holidays and throughout the entire year.