The holiday season is a time to gather with family, celebrate cherished traditions, and create meaningful memories.
Yet, for families navigating the complexities of Alzheimer’s or dementia, this time of year can bring unique challenges.
Balancing festive activities with the changing needs of a loved one experiencing memory loss requires compassion, creativity, and preparation.
Join Kensington Senior Living for “A Holiday Positive Approach to Care with PAC” on Dec. 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. to provide guidance and support.
This insightful session will feature Amanda Bulgarelli and Leandra Sims, experts in the Positive Approach to Care (PAC), a dementia care philosophy developed by Teepa Snow.
With this insight, families and caregivers will learn practical strategies for navigating the holidays with joy, understanding, and connection.
A Holiday Positive Approach to Care highlights
“A Holiday Positive Approach to Care with PAC” is a must-attend event for families and caregivers seeking ways to make the holiday season more meaningful for loved ones experiencing memory loss.
- When: Dec. 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m.
- What: Expert tips and insights to help families create joyful, comfortable, and engaging holiday experiences.
- Who:
- Amanda Bulgarelli: With over a decade of experience in education and leadership, Amanda serves as the Lead PAC Mentor and COO. Growing up with Teepa Snow, Amanda has been immersed in dementia care techniques since her teenage years. She offers caregivers compassionate and practical advice.
- Leandra Sims: A PAC Mentor and advocate for caregiver education, Leandra has spearheaded efforts to implement PAC training across Kensington communities. Her hands-on approach ensures families feel empowered and supported during their caregiving journey.
At the event, attendees will discover tools to foster meaningful connections with loved ones, create festive yet manageable experiences, and ensure everyone—caregivers included—feels valued and celebrated.
Navigating the holidays with a loved one experiencing memory loss
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia during the holidays can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it can also be rewarding.
Below are strategies to help families balance caregiving responsibilities with the season’s joy, ensuring their loved one gets the care they need while participating in the holiday festivities.
1. Simplify holiday traditions
Holidays often come with expectations of grandeur—elaborate meals, bustling gatherings, and complex traditions.
For someone experiencing memory loss, this can be overstimulating.
Instead, focus on simplifying traditions to suit your loved one’s needs:
- Bake together: Prepare simple recipes like sugar cookies and allow them to help with tasks like mixing or sprinkling decorations.
- Decorate with them: Use familiar ornaments or items that evoke positive memories.
- Sing carols: Music is a powerful way to connect; holiday songs can bring comfort and joy.
Simplifying traditions doesn’t mean sacrificing meaning—it’s about finding activities everyone can enjoy together.
2. Maintain familiar routines
Routines help individuals with memory loss, providing stability and security.
During the holidays, try to:
- Serve meals at consistent times.
- Avoid scheduling events during rest periods or times when your loved one is typically less alert.
- Include elements of their daily routine in holiday activities, such as enjoying their favorite morning beverage or taking a quiet walk.
By maintaining a sense of normalcy, you can reduce anxiety and help your loved one feel more at ease.
3. Prepare the environment
Decorations and festivities can be beautiful but also overwhelming.
Create a space that is warm, inviting, and safe:
- Avoid flashing lights or cluttered arrangements that may cause confusion or discomfort.
- Choose calming holiday scents, like cinnamon or vanilla, instead of strong perfumes or candles.
- Playing gentle background music that evokes fond memories.
A well-prepared environment can create a more peaceful and enjoyable celebration.
4. Communicate with family and guests
Preparing other attendees for interactions with your loved one is essential for family gatherings.
Share information about their condition, such as:
- How to approach conversations: Speak slowly, make eye contact, and only correct them if they need clarification.
- Topics to avoid or ones that may bring joy: Talk about shared memories, favorite holidays, or hobbies.
- Encouraging patience: Remind guests that their presence matters more than perfect conversations.
Setting expectations ensures a smoother, more compassionate gathering for everyone involved.
5. Respect their limits
Individuals with dementia may tire more quickly or become overwhelmed in busy environments.
Watch for signs of fatigue, such as restlessness, irritability, or withdrawal. Allow them to step away from the festivities when needed, offering quiet moments to rest or recharge.
6. Focus on Small Joys
Memory loss may change how your loved one experiences the holidays but it doesn’t erase their capacity for joy.
Cherish the small moments—a smile during a favorite song, laughter during a shared story, or the comfort of holding hands.
Caregivers: Prioritize your well-being during the holidays
Caring for a loved one with memory loss is an act of deep love, but it can also be emotionally and physically exhausting—especially during the holidays.
Amidst the planning and caregiving, it’s essential to remember that your well-being matters too.
Here are some ways to take care of yourself during this busy season:
- Set realistic expectations for yourself
- Seek help when you need it
- Take breaks
- Reflect on the positives
By caring for yourself, you’ll feel more balanced and better equipped to provide the care and support your loved one needs during the holidays and beyond.
Remember, you are not alone, and your efforts are deeply appreciated by those who depend on you.
Kensington Senior Living: A commitment to care
At Kensington Senior Living, Our Promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Our specialized memory care programs are built on the foundation of empathy, understanding, and innovation.
Guided by Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care philosophy, our team creates environments where residents and families thrive.
From engaging activities to personalized care plans, we ensure every resident feels valued and supported.
Our senior living communities are places where caregivers and families find a sense of belonging, knowing their loved ones are cared for with compassion and expertise.
A holiday season to cherish
The holidays are an opportunity to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate the love that unites families.
For caregivers and their loved ones experiencing memory loss, it’s a time to focus on what truly matters—creating moments of joy, no matter how small.
RSVP to join us on Dec. 11, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. for “A Holiday Positive Approach to Care with PAC.”
Together, we’ll explore how to make this holiday season bright and meaningful for everyone.
Contact us to learn how Kensington Senior Living can support you and your loved one every step of the way.