The Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect opportunity to spend time with your parents and share a meal together. When your parents are dealing with Alzheimer's, celebrating Thanksgiving can be a daunting task. However, it does not have to take that part. Incorporating family traditions can make the holiday enjoyable for the whole family. Here are six family traditions you can adopt to make Thanksgiving a memorable and remarkable one.

1. Make Thanksgiving Decorations

Involve your parents in the creative process of crafting decor. Creating festive decor around your home is a good mood booster. You can set up flowers, candles, and fall plants around the house. However, remember to avoid too many decorations, such as flickering lights, that can be overstimulating and disorienting to people living with Alzheimer's.

2. Get Fresh Air

People with Alzheimer's can be anxious in crowded spaces with unfamiliar people. This can be resolved by taking them for a quiet walk. A quiet walk in the neighborhood allows one to slow down and savor the moment. Additionally, it gives them a quiet space away from the holiday commotion when they are overwhelmed by crowded places.

3. Play Simple, Fun Games

Every family reunion involves playing your favorite game. Focus on playing simple, fun games such as cards, puzzles, bingo, or Jenga that bring happiness. Gather your family together after dinner for a good old-fashioned game that will surely bring on the giggles. You can set up a little friendly competition and whoever has the best score wins a prize. However, remember to keep the games simple, as people with Alzheimer's may find it hard to remember the rules of complex games.

4. Cook a Delicious Meal Together

Show your elderly parents some appreciation by cooking them their favorite meal. If cooking a meal is something your parents have always enjoyed, involve them in meal prep decision-making. For instance, how to decorate cookies and focus on the task rather than the outcome. While at it, be mindful of the meals you cook, as foods with too many calories are unhealthy for them.

5. Build on Past Traditions

A common symptom of Alzheimer's is memory loss. Activities such as looking at old picture albums, watching their favorite movies, or taking part in familiar traditions are essential in aiding memory and reducing stress. If your family tradition is taking holiday photos, gather your family for a group picture. It is easy to forget to take pictures to commemorate the holiday. Importantly, ask your loved one which traditions are most significant to them and prioritize them.

6. Play Your Favorite Music

Set the Thanksgiving mood with festive songs that will get everyone's spirits up. Playing your parent's favorite music is enjoyable. You can simply request them to sing along. However, ensure that you are aware of your parent's sensitivity to loud noises, as loud music aggravates seniors with Alzheimer's.

Get Help From Senior Helpers Inland Empire

Given the challenges that come with Alzheimer's, following thanksgiving holiday traditions may call for more effort. Add Senior Helpers Inland Empire to your Thanksgiving plans. We offer professional caregiving services to seniors around Chino, Corona, Chino Hills, and San Bernardino County. Contact Senior Helpers Inland Empire today to offer support if you struggle with the holiday preparations while caring for your senior loved one.