You want every member of your family to be present for holiday gatherings and activities. Unfortunately, many of those traditions that you may have taken for granted in years past can be very disorienting for family members with dementia. Seniors across the western Kentucky area, including Hopkinsville, Paducah, Murray, and Madisonville, may benefit from a few modifications to those usual traditions that can make them more comfortable for seniors with dementia.
1. Holiday Decor that Requires Rearranging the Furniture
Rearranging the furniture in a usually familiar space can be very disorienting for patients with dementia. If you typically have to move the couch or television to accommodate your Christmas tree, this might be the year to do things a little differently. Instead, consider smaller decorations that may not require as much rearrangement. While they may not add as much high-level cheer to your home, they may also make a senior loved one with dementia more comfortable.
2. Flashing Lights and Loud Music
The holidays are a time of immense stimulation for many families. In fact, overstimulation is almost a part of the holiday tradition. However, flashing lights and loud music can be very disorienting for patients with dementia. Consider scaling down the holiday lights to make things more comfortable for your senior loved one.
3. Large Gatherings
During the holidays, the entire family may come together to celebrate. For many families, it's the only time of year when everyone can be in the same place at the same time. However, those large gatherings, with all the hustle and bustle and noise, can prove difficult for seniors with dementia to navigate. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to make them easier to manage.
- Keep gatherings shorter or smaller. Consider having a loved one with dementia join you for only a portion of the time rather than staying for the entire gathering.
- Look through photo albums together and talk about family members and memories, which can help reorient seniors with dementia.
- Play familiar music.
- Give your loved one with dementia a task that will allow them to focus on something close at hand rather than getting swept up in the noise and chaos.
While large gatherings are a hallmark of the season, try to watch your loved one with dementia for any sign of disorientation or confusion. If you notice them becoming agitated, it may be time to call a stop to the activity and let them head home or find some peace and quiet. Try to avoid hosting those activities in their homes, where they would have a hard time escaping the chaos, or make sure there is a safe space where they can get away if necessary.
Senior Helpers Can Help Make the Holidays Easier for Seniors with Dementia
Managing the holidays with a loved one with dementia can feel incredibly difficult. With a few steps, however, you can help make those holiday gatherings easier to manage. If you're in the Western Kentucky area, Senior Helpers Western Kentucky can also help provide support for your loved one. Contact us today to learn more about our services.