Teri Sellers
The PebbleCreek Alzheimer’s Support Group is available to all residents who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The group meets twice a month for a breakfast social and a support group meeting.
Don’t miss the December meeting as we will have our annual Caring for the Caregiver event. This is the time when we recognize our caregivers and pamper them for all they do.
Holidays can be a special times for both the person with dementia and family. Maintaining or adapting family rituals and traditions can help family members feel a sense of belonging and family identity. For a person with Alzheimer’s, this link with a familiar past is reassuring.
However, special events or holidays, with other people, can cause confusion and anxiety for a person with Alzheimer’s. The tips below can help you balance holiday activities with everyday care for your loved one.
Here are some ways to balance doing many holiday-related activities while taking care of your own needs and those of the person with Alzheimer’s disease:
* Celebrate holidays that are important to you. Include your loved one as much as possible.
* Set your own limits, and be clear about them with others. You do not have to live up to the expectations of friends or relatives.
* Consider simplifying your holidays around the home. For example, rather than cooking an elaborate dinner, consider a smaller dinner with close family. Instead of elaborate decorations, consider choosing a few select items.
* Prepare quiet distractions to use, such as looking at pictures or going for a walk, if the person with Alzheimer’s becomes upset or overstimulated.
* Make sure there is a quiet space where the person can rest and have time to recharge.
* Try to avoid situations that may confuse or frustrate the person with Alzheimer’s, such as changes in routine and strange places.
* Try to stay away from noise, loud conversations, loud music, lighting that is too bright or too dark, and having too much rich food or drink (especially alcohol).
* Find time for holiday activities you like to do. For example, go for a walk in the neighborhood and look at holiday decorations, or bake holiday cookies.
The PebbleCreek Walk to End Alzheimer’s took place on Oct. 16. Residents, family members, and guests walked to raise funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s. Our group also hosted a book-signing event and QuarterMania. We are excited and proud to say that over $5,100 was raised and donated to the Alzheimer’s Association this year by our support group, The Creekers!
You are not alone. I want to share helpful resources and information with you and add you to our email list. Our support group is an excellent way to learn more about the journey that is dementia and a wonderful way to meet others who are going through the same journey. Your information is always safe and confidential, and the benefits are priceless. I can be reached at 602-793-0299 or at [email protected].