Holidays are one of the very joyful times that we celebrate but for people with dementia, it is somehow stressful for them and gives them challenges. These challenges don’t just mind our dementia patients but as well as the caregivers who are looking after them.
Depression is common among the seniors population and holidays can increase their feeling of sadness. Persons suffering from dementia may feel a sense of loss during these times. Tendencies are, they may miss someone in the past, recognize a companion around them or feel that someone is missing. Caregivers may also feel that sense of loss since their holidays is not the same with what they have prior. Minding such feelings is quite challenging during holidays when so much is going on. It would be better to consult your doctor before the holidays if your loved ones are going through depression.
It is always noticed that people suffering from dementia lacks enthusiasm and interest in holiday season. Also, live-in caregivers tend to be melancholic that their loved ones may not understand that they can no longer participate in some holiday activities. Basic holiday routines like lighting candles, putting up house decors and having a companion to go over for meal may be too annoying or risky to pursue.
Thus, Holiday season have the ability to upset the usual routines that have been established. Things like changing the daily schedule or the presence of different and new people may upset people suffering from dementia.
It is possible that you feel overburdened when there is traveling involved like during time-offs and seeing relatives. You don’t have to worry about this. It will be okay to ask relatives to see you this year or miss out the reunion altogether.
While some traditions isn’t practical, new traditions may be initiated. Simple activities are safe and fun to do with your loved ones like making your personalized wreaths, baking cookies, listening to holiday musics, reading holiday stories, watching movies, crating photo albums and collage, writing greeting cards, linking up paper chains and stringing of garlands of berries.
It also help to make expectations to be in line with reality. If making a perfect family isn’t possible, then you can look forward to spending holiday in a different way by doing something simple yet special. And it is important to take care of yourself and your own needs while taking care of your dementia patients.
Depression is common among the seniors population and holidays can increase their feeling of sadness. Persons suffering from dementia may feel a sense of loss during these times. Tendencies are, they may miss someone in the past, recognize a companion around them or feel that someone is missing. Caregivers may also feel that sense of loss since their holidays is not the same with what they have prior. Minding such feelings is quite challenging during holidays when so much is going on. It would be better to consult your doctor before the holidays if your loved ones are going through depression.
It is always noticed that people suffering from dementia lacks enthusiasm and interest in holiday season. Also, live-in caregivers tend to be melancholic that their loved ones may not understand that they can no longer participate in some holiday activities. Basic holiday routines like lighting candles, putting up house decors and having a companion to go over for meal may be too annoying or risky to pursue.
Thus, Holiday season have the ability to upset the usual routines that have been established. Things like changing the daily schedule or the presence of different and new people may upset people suffering from dementia.
It is possible that you feel overburdened when there is traveling involved like during time-offs and seeing relatives. You don’t have to worry about this. It will be okay to ask relatives to see you this year or miss out the reunion altogether.
While some traditions isn’t practical, new traditions may be initiated. Simple activities are safe and fun to do with your loved ones like making your personalized wreaths, baking cookies, listening to holiday musics, reading holiday stories, watching movies, crating photo albums and collage, writing greeting cards, linking up paper chains and stringing of garlands of berries.
It also help to make expectations to be in line with reality. If making a perfect family isn’t possible, then you can look forward to spending holiday in a different way by doing something simple yet special. And it is important to take care of yourself and your own needs while taking care of your dementia patients.
