As we all prepare for the holidays, Commonwealth Senior Living is thinking about families – those we serve and those who we haven’t met yet. We know this time of year can be challenging in many ways. It can bring a unique kind of stress for those caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. We want to create a special, meaningful holiday for every generation involved, but that can be difficult for those whose memories and cognition are fading.
Our memory care experts, Paula Harder and Bernie Cavis answer questions about celebrating the holidays and creating a safe and loving environment for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Here are a few quick tips:
- Keep it simple. Loud, busy parties may be overwhelming
- Focus on scents, textures and flavors. A family cookie recipe, the sweater she wore every year, Christmas carols he or she liked to sing
- Don’t ask your loved one if they remember certain things. This can be frustrating and saddening for someone struggling with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
- Take it moment by moment. Remember the time you have with your loved one is special.
To learn more about Memory Care at our communities and how we’re celebrating the holidays, contact the community nearest you.
