Celebrating Thanksgiving with Someone Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

November is a month that brings awareness to family care partners and Alzheimer’s disease, but it is also a month were many celebrate Thanksgiving or general family gatherings. Here are some ideas on how to make Thanksgiving a family gathering that considers the needs of your loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease.

Prepare the family

Educating and preparing the family about what Alzheimer’s disease is and how it is presenting in your loved one is really important. In some cases, remembering family may be an issue and so in order to avoid any hurt reactions from family that aren’t remembered, it helps when everyone is aware of what to expect.

Have a Plan when overstimulated

Family gatherings can be loud, noisy, and just over stimulating in general at times. People with Alzheimer’s disease can have behavioral changes or even experience sundowning at the celebrations continue on. Have a designated room that is quiet and allows for some relaxation in order to help decrease any anxiousness or agitation that may occur when overstimulated.

Traveling

Traveling really depends on how involved the person may be. That being said, having traveling plans that consider the capabilities of your loved ones is important along with keeping in mind of time and distance needing to travel. Sundowning may be a factor to consider for some and so celebrating early and returning early may be the best approach for some.

Schedule Changes

Keep in mind that holidays and celebrations can affect someone’s daily routine. People living with Alzheimer’s disease thrive best when their day has structure and keep to a routine. When thinking about holidays, sometimes those routines are lost because of the celebrations. This may affect behavior and even daily needs such as restroom habits. Try to account for these changes as best as possible.

Use Technology

For those who may be unable to leave or travel, celebrations may be capable within the home and connections can still be made using technology. If celebrating at home, be sure to communicate with guest to have them help set up and clean up as this can decrease any stress of care partners. Additionally, use of technology such as phone calls, facetime and videos for time differences can be a great way to involve your loved one in the celebration.

Chrysalis Aging wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, and hopes everyone celebrates well with their family and loved ones. Be sure to continue to keep loved ones in mind, especially those with Alzheimer’s disease or any other forms of dementia.