Holiday Tips for Caregivers of Older Adults

How to Create a Comfortable Environment for Your Loved One

It’s important that you update family and friends about your loved one’s condition. This is especially important if changes in appearance or behaviors and increased memory loss have become more apparent. Be honest. The purpose is to maintain your loved one’s dignity, avoid distress, and create a calm and comfortable environment.

Recognizing agitation, stress and discomfort and responding early can help put your loved one at ease. Signs include withdrawal and seeking isolation, repetition in behaviors and speech, pacing and outbursts. If your person is self-isolating, allow them that time. Avoid continued coaxing, as this may lead to agitation.

Tips for hosting an enjoyable holiday gathering

• Schedule small group visits with family and friends, rather than one big gathering.
• Gather at a time that is best for your loved one, such as the time of day or evening when they’re most alert and at their best.
• Serve foods your loved one enjoys. Choose foods your loved one will recognize and enjoy, and that are easy to eat.
• Include level-appropriate activities that your person can participate in so they feel included.
• Choose music that is soothing.
• Limit holiday decorations. Avoid clutter and possible tripping hazards.
• Ensure proper lighting and room temperature.
• If your loved one has memory loss, ensure that people introduce themselves and state who they are in relation to that person. Better yet, wear name tags.

Seven Communication Tips for Caregivers of Loved Ones with Dementia

If your loved one is living with dementia, positive communication is crucial to your and your loved one’s well-being. Try these communication tips to help guide conversation for an enjoyable, relaxed gathering.

1. Use clear, simple communication.
2. When recalling past events, start with, “I remember when…,” rather than, “Do you remember…”
3. Be aware of the tone of your voice. Speak slowly and clearly and allow the person time to respond.
4. Follow and engage in their conversation. Validate any concerns expressed.
5. Make eye contact. If the person uses a wheelchair, meet them at eye level.
6. Be calm, even if your loved one is upset.
7. When assisting with personal needs, whisper in their ear.
8. Above all, be patient.

This resource for communicating with a loved one with dementia can be downloaded and shared with family and friends.

Holiday Self-Care Tips for Caregivers

Prioritizing your own self-care is an essential part of caregiving. When your physical, mental, and emotional well-being are tended to, you are better able to provide care for your loved one. Taking time to decompress and be rejuvenated is beneficial for everyone.

Here are a few ways you can take care of yourself and avoid caregiver burnout this holiday season:

• Join a support group.
• Don’t take anything personally.
• Let go of traditions if they are no longer working for your loved ones. Make memories with new traditions.
• Breathe deeply and allow family and friends to provide you with moments of respite. Step away, mingle, and enjoy.
• Make sure you are eating well and drinking plenty of water.
• When others ask if or how they can help, don’t be shy. Tell them what you need – preparing food for the gathering, running specific errands, bringing frozen prepared foods, an IOU for caregiving that offers you respite, etc.
• Take photos and videos to record special and humorous moments.
• Enjoy this cherished time with your loved ones.