Holiday tips for families

Holidays can be stressful, but they can be especially difficult when caring for a loved one with dementia. Here are some tips to keep the holidays merry:

Simplify. Try to decide which traditions are “musts” and which can be skipped. Or, try sharing responsibility for traditions with family members or friends. This can be a fun way to get a job off of your plate and pass on a tradition at the same time!

Ask for and accept help. Many people want to help but don’t know how. Tell them! They’ll be glad you did.

Prepare your family and friends ahead of time, so they know what to expect when visiting your loved one.

Be strategic about visitors. Schedule visits during your loved one’s best time of day, and try to stick to small groups. Invite visitors to your home – staying in a familiar environment can lessen anxiety.

Engage in holiday fun! Your loved one could stir cookie dough, open cards with you, or reminisce about favorite holiday songs. Focus on the journey, not the result.

Take a break. Family caregivers experience a high amount of stress. Fifteen minutes a day to yourself can help you keep illness at bay and enjoy the holidays to their fullest.

Be compassionate toward yourself. Give yourself permission to navigate the stress, anxiety, and grief you may feel. Do whatever will be helpful for you.

Thanks to Leola Adams and Alzheimer’s Music Connect for some of these tips.

This story was originally published December 19, 2015 at 4:01 PM with the headline "Holiday tips for families."