The Importance Of Holiday Traditions

Holiday traditions can become difficult for a family who deals with loved ones who have memory impairments like Alzheimer’s or dementia. Think of it this way, whether you’re caring for the elderly, caring for loved ones during Christmas, or you’re celebrating the holidays with Alzheimer’s, just focus on your love for your family and try to maintain happy holiday traditions with your loved ones. Your kids and grandkids will benefit from that later on.

Here are some tips on how you can keep the holiday spirit alive for your loved ones with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Holidays for the elderly will surely be better if you employ these and the positive results could extend to general elder care at home even after the holidays.

Include Singing in

Choose those that would make them smile or laugh or those that have special meaning to them. They may not usually remember these because of Alzheimer’s or dementia, but it will make them feel warmer whenever they remember snippets from their youth because of that one special song. After the holiday season, replace the Christmas songs with other happy songs. Help them choose which ones are their favorites.

Make Something that Everyone in the Family Can Admire Together Everyday

Create something simple like letting your loved ones pick the flowers or arrange them in a vase while you cut the stems for them or add accents like a ribbon. To set the mood for the upcoming holiday, you can even help them plant or grow poinsettias. You can also start a project of making a wreath where you can both pick fallen leaves or add holly, pinecones, or whatever you can think of that would add a holiday cheer on your wreath. Both of you will smile whenever you see the finished product and they can even show off the creative family handiwork.

Prepare Meals, Desserts or Drinks Together with Your Loved Ones Who Have Alzheimer’s or

Caring for loved ones during Christmas or caring for the elderly doesn’t have to be that exhausting. They can help you and you just have to supervise them to avoid any accidents. You can let them cut veggies for the salad and if you’re worried that they may cut themselves, give them safety knives. You know the ones kiddie chefs use. Aside from joining in the preparation for the holiday traditions, they can do this every day with you and they will feel that they’re part of the family.

Celebrating the Holidays with Alzheimer’s by Saying Thank You Everyday

Holidays for the elderly will be much more meaningful if they say what they’re thankful for each day. It will help them to stay positive and connected with the entire family. The rest of the family should join in to maximize the effect of being positive. Everybody will feel more hopeful for what’s still to come. Alzheimer’s or dementia won’t feel as much of a burden for them and they’ll relish the holiday traditions more.

Stay in touch with Family and