from National HealthCare Corporation
The holidays, with all their joy and excitement, can pose challenges for family members affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The very excitement and hubbub that the holidays bring can be difficult to endure for family members and caregivers and, most importantly, for the person diagnosed with this cruel disease.
It is estimated that 5 million people are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in this country, but it takes only one diagnosis to affect a family profoundly.
“It is very important to have realistic expectations for the holidays when your family includes someone with Alzheimer’s,” states Jerry Winton, administrator of NHC Place at Cool Springs. “It is emotionally challenging to see a loved one’s memories fade, but it is especially difficult around the holiday season, when so many family memories have been made through the years during this time of year.”
Caregivers are especially trained to provide the best care for patients who have been profoundly affected by Alzheimer’s and require professional care. Maintaining routine and a peaceful environment is key to making sure patients keep calm and reassured, and the holidays can pose significant disruption in routine. The very benefits of being surrounded with family and friends can often result in anxiety and upset, so it is important to plan for maintaining calm and routine during the busy holiday season.
“If your loved one is a patient in one of our healthcare centers, we would recommend that you speak with your family member’s caregivers and the center’s administration to see what their planned activities are around the holiday season,” states Joe Shelton, administrator of NHC Healthcare, Franklin. “Since an interruption in surroundings and routine can be difficult for an Alzheimer’s patient, it may be best to attend pre-scheduled events at the center instead of attempting to bring your loved one home to surroundings that may no longer be familiar with excessive noise, lights and a disruption from their everyday routine.”
Advice to those who provide care to loved ones who still live at home or if you are planning to spend time in your home with a family member who currently lives at a healthcare center would be that family members are informed ahead of time how their loved one with Alzheimer’s is currently doing and the importance of maintaining a routine and an environment as stress-free as possible. A ‘quiet room’ is an important detail to consider and a detail that one might not think of instinctively. Having a place free of stress and noise in your home, set aside beforehand, could help tremendously in the event that the noise and hubbub become too much for your loved one to manage.
“Let everyone know ahead of time how your loved one is coping and what to expect,” states Winton. “Let them know that it is okay to speak with them as you would anyone else, but that responses may not be what a typical adult might express. The loved one can oftentimes mistake one person for another or be confused as to their surroundings or even time of year. It is best not to correct them during a stressful family event. Instead, continue to visit quietly with as little stress and as much patience as needed.”
It is also recommended to let your family members know that, even though they may not visit with the grandchildren, the elder generations and those with memory impairments still love to watch and enjoy the children having fun during the holidays. If possible, plan easy crafts for the children to do that your loved one with Alzheimer’s might be able to participate with or quietly observe.
“Keep in mind that changes in routine can automatically create stress in a person with Alzheimer’s,” states Shelton. “Something as simple as a startling noise or excessive lights can be difficult. The afternoon hours can also be the most difficult hours of the day. When planning any family event, we would recommend that it is scheduled for earlier in the day. Being settled into a typical routine by the late afternoon would help to smoothe out any anxiety from the disruption in routine from all the happy but hectic holiday festivities.”
Whether you are visiting your loved one in a healthcare center or including them in your home for the holidays, it is important to make sure you have realistic expectations. Use thoughtful planning to create moments and memories of joy for you and your family, and know that those with memory impairment can and need to experience the love of others.
When planning for holiday events, it is important to keep these issues in mind. Everyone wants a joyous, happy and peaceful holiday season, and following these simple recommendations can help all family members enjoy the holidays together.
About NHC
Headquartered in Murfreesboro, Tenn. since its founding in 1971, National HealthCare Corporation (NHC) is recognized nationwide as an innovator in the delivery of quality long-term care. NHC operates 74 long-term health care centers with 9,403 beds, with 33 total healthcare centers across Tennessee and 21 in middle Tennessee. NHC services also include Alzheimer’s units, long-term care pharmacies, hospice care and home care services.
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