EP122: Maintaining Holiday Traditions when a Loved One has Alzheimer’s Disease

<p>With the holiday season upon us, many may be looking forward to traditions that will bring joy and warmth - but if your family member is living with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, this time can become overwhelming. If you are a caregiver, take care of yourself and allow yourself to maintain the traditions you can and not feel bad if you can’t do everything you usually would.</p> <p>'Tis the season for creating new memories and cherishing old ones! We can all be part of a treasured tradition: togetherness. Time spent with friends and family can become even more meaningful when modified to accommodate a loved one diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Whether it be adapting existing holiday traditions or starting from scratch - just remember that joy is still possible during those special moments no matter what stage of the disease they are in.</p> <p>In today's episode of This Is Getting Old: Moving Towards An Age-Friendly World,  I’ll share three tips for enjoying all the festive moments while being mindful of our loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. </p> <p>So take a moment away from wrapping gifts and baking pies (or whatever it is you're doing) to refresh yourself on how the best caregivers, like yourselves, should manage things so that everyone in your household gets what they need!</p> <p><strong>Key points covered in this episode:</strong></p> <p><strong>✔️ Tip #1: Visits or Family Gatherings—Find the Right Balance </strong></p> <p>When planning holidays around those living with Alzheimer's disease, work around the person living with dementia’s schedule and adjust expectations</p> <p>Think about the best time of day to do your gathering, the number of people to invite and think about the person living with Alzheimer's disease. Are they still comfortable socializing, or do a lot of people and increased noise just increase their anxiety or agitation? </p> <p>That happens to any of us. If you're used to living in a very quiet environment, you're put into one with a lot of noise and activity. It can make anyone anxio