The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America provides advice on how to make Thanksgiving dementia-friendly

Roanoke, Virginia – As Thanksgiving draws near, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is providing easy ways that families who are taking care of loved ones may make the holiday enjoyable for those who suffer from dementia-related conditions.

According to the AFA, some parts of a celebration might be upsetting for those who have dementia because of the way the disease affects the brain.

“A lot of possible problems or issues that could arise can be mitigated by being proactive and prepared in advance, which can help reduce stress, which is crucial for any caregiver.” You want to make it as secure, comfortable, and enjoyable as you can for both you and your loved one. You also want to eliminate stress and promote positive relationships. Chris Schneider, Director of Media Relations at the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, stated, “That’s why it’s so important to take these small steps that can make a big difference and help lead to a happy Thanksgiving for everybody.”

So, what ought one to do?

• Plan the celebration in advance and take into account the individual’s daily schedule. Dementia patients may experience “sundown,” a phenomenon that can lead to agitation and disorientation in the late afternoon to early evening. These symptoms can be affected by adding a celebration with lots of people in the house. To help your loved one feel more at ease, think about celebrating earlier in the day. To the maximum extent feasible, organize the celebration around an established routine because people with dementia find it difficult to adjust to changes in their daily schedule.

• Before the celebration, get everyone ready. Try to introduce your loved one to all of the attendees in advance by sharing tales, displaying pictures, or setting up a Facetime or phone conversation before the celebration. To let them know about the event and that it will be taking place, you could also send them an invitation. Think about giving visitors useful details about your loved one, such as how to interact with them, what they enjoy, and what could upset them. These specifics will assist promote constructive conversations and participation and are especially crucial if guests haven’t seen the individual recently.

• Involve your loved one. Make adjustments so your loved one can take part in the festivities. Emphasize what they can accomplish right now and ask them to assist with tasks like decorating, setting the table, making the materials for a basic meal, and other tasks. Reminiscing and adding happiness and positive vibes to the celebration can be accomplished by playing well-known music or looking at old pictures. Try sharing a snack, doing art projects, and singing well-known songs as intergenerational activities.

• Provide a peaceful area. If the celebration gets too much for the person with dementia, prepare a peaceful area away from the crowd. To make them feel secure and comfortable, place familiar comfort objects in the room, such as a teddy animal, sweater, or blanket. Early visitors are better able to interact than later ones, so try to manage the flow of visitors whenever you can.

• Make arrangements for assistance. Even without the added burden of taking care of a loved one with dementia, planning and hosting a holiday party may be difficult. Friends and family may want to help but may not know how. Whether you want them to help with cooking, buying, or decorating, or just to spend time with your loved one while you are getting ready for the celebration, don’t be afraid to ask them what you need.

Building in pauses and attempting to schedule motor travel around the person’s routine are crucial, according to Schneider, for anyone planning to travel by plane or by car with someone who has a dementia-related condition.

For example, if they perform specific tasks more effectively in the morning than at night, attempt to schedule your trip around that. If you’re traveling by car, include time for stops so you may go to the bathroom, get out, and walk around. Make careful to let the airline or train know if you are traveling with a person who has dementia if you want to take public transportation. Schneider said that the individuals with dementia should be familiar with such security protocols.

People with dementia may benefit from TSA CARES, a traveler support program. You can find that information here.

Caregivers can reach the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Helpline by phone at 866-232-8484, text message at 646-586-5283, or online chat at www.alzfdn.org, seven days a week, if they have any additional questions about dementia or providing care.