Navigating the Holidays and Memory Loss

Making the Holidays Bright for Loved Ones with Dementia

The holidays are a time to celebrate traditions and make new memories. But with busy schedules, holiday obligations, and heightened health and safety concerns, the holidays can also lead to increased stress.

For many families impacted by dementia, it can be particularly difficult to navigate the holiday season. Loved ones with memory loss may find it challenging to interact with family and friends. And caregivers may feel overwhelmed by trying to manage everyone’s expectations

for the holidays amid flu season and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here are a few tips that Belmont Village provides to their residents and families for making the holidays safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

Plan Ahead

Discuss the holidays with your guests in advance. Make sure that everyone understands any changes your loved one is experiencing and consider what will be the most comfortable and enjoyable for them. Create and share a wish list for

useful, safe, and enjoyable gifts. Take the time to anticipate any stressful situations you may encounter and create a plan for

how you will address them.

Let guests know what to expect

While you’re planning, it’s helpful to

let friends and family know exactly what to expect. For example, a loved

one with Alzheimer’s or dementia may have trouble following conversations or remembering who you are. It’s important to keep everyone informed on your loved one’s cognitive changes. Guests need to understand these changes in behavior so they don’t take them personally and they know how best to interact with the family member. After friends and family

know what to expect, share some ideas for fun, meaningful ways to engage with the

person living with memory loss.

Maintain routine as much as possible

Loved ones experiencing cognitive decline thrive on familiarity and benefit from strict routine. Incorporate special holiday events while maintaining as much of

their routine as possible. This can help avoid needless stress and confusion—and provide your loved one with a sense of

comfort and control.

Build on traditions and memories

A loved one with dementia may not be able to participate in every activity that they used to enjoy, but it doesn’t mean he or she can’t be involved in the holiday celebrations. Modify your traditions or

introduce new ones. Watch your favorite holiday movie, bake seasonal cookies, or sing your favorite carols together.

Involve your loved one dementia

Get creative and adapt holiday activities to their needs and abilities. Get them involved by asking them to help you make

the food, set out decorations, or wrap gifts. Even simple tasks, such as helping send greeting cards, can help them enjoy the holidays and feel more included.

At Belmont Village, residents experience unparalleled hospitality in Assisted Living and award-winning Memory Care for

Alzheimer’s and dementia in a safe, secure environment. Residents have everything they need at their fingertips—from 24/7 on-site nurses, an in-house salon and managed fitness programs, to nutritional dining and transportation services.

To learn more, visit belmontvillage.com/fortlauderdale or call 954-833-7978.