Holidays with a person with dementia
By Attorney Adi Rafael
Are you preparing for the holidays and do you have someone in your family living with dementia?
Get simple tips to help you organize a fun holiday. Celebrating a holiday with a person with dementia is a different experience than we are used to, but it can still be fun and successful.
Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash
When planning the holidays, it's important to first ask yourself: Will the person living with dementia enjoy the noisy gathering? Will you be able to enjoy the gathering without feeling overwhelming stress and pressure? Did you answer yes to both questions? Is it important to you that your loved one celebrates you? Here are all the tips you need to make your holiday a success:
✔ Share your holiday plans with the person living with dementia, and consult with them about how they would like to celebrate the holiday. Don't overwhelm them with information, but give two short, clear options.
✔ Allow the family member with dementia to take an active part in preparations for the holiday, to the extent of his ability. For example: setting the table, emptying pomegranates, decorating the sukkah, or anything else that is appropriate.
✔ It is worth talking in advance with the family members who are coming to celebrate with you, explaining the situation to them and asking them for help, so that the meeting will be successful.
✔ It is best for the person living with dementia to arrive at the meeting first, so that they have enough time to adapt to the change and the hustle and bustle.
✔When guests arrive, stand next to the person living with dementia. Do not test them to see if they remember who the guests are, but introduce them to them. For example: "This is our beloved grandson Eran" or "This is dear Aunt Sarah."
✔ In general, don't give him memory tests, and make sure your guests don't do it either.
✔ Allow the person living with dementia to enjoy holiday foods, even if they deviate from the dietary menu (except for dietary restrictions due to an unusual medical condition). However, pay attention to the quantities, because none of us like to eat too much.
✔Sing the holiday songs enthusiastically. Music works miracles and wonders for a person living with dementia.
✔ During the celebration, keep an eye on the person living with dementia. If they seem tired or uncomfortable, take them to a quiet room and let them rest, or take them home. Noise and commotion are not easy for a person with dementia, and for adults in general.