Dementia Care Over The Holidays

As a caregiver pre-plans care with a person experiencing dementia, it is important to stick to the normal routine. Changing the routine on a person who experiences dementia can cause anger outbreaks, restlessness, and unwanted behavior. Be sure to avoid the normal hustle and bustle of the holidays. Keep decorations and holiday decor out of sight as it can throw off normal day-to-day activities for a person with dementia. However, if you are visiting with a person with dementia, you can do some holiday themed activities such as coloring, puzzles, decorating Christmas cookies,polishing silverware and folding napkins. Listening to favorite holiday songs and dancing are also positive brain stimulating activities. If family is coming into town, be sure to keep the groups small, one to two people, when visiting. You can create a holiday 'wish list' of activities that you wish to complete with your loved one or client over the holidays. Be sure to not set expectations, and remember that spending quality time with them is most important. Have a safe and Happy Holidays and New Year from the team at New Horizons In-Home Care, providers of top-rated home care in Albany and the surrounding areas.