With the holiday season approaching, there is certain to be some element of apprehension and uneasiness among families of people with Alzheimer’s disease. Here are a few tips to make the season a bit merrier and the New Year happier.
Bear in mind that Alzheimer’s disease usually first affects the frontal lobe of the brain, where information about “places” is stored. So, to the person with Alzheimer’s disease, going to another home, even if it has been visited often in the past, may seem to them a strange and unfamiliar place. Because of this confusion, the person with Alzheimer’s disease may get irritable and upset with everyone, and the probable cause is the seeming unfamiliarity of that place.
That is not to say that a person with Alzheimer’s disease must stay in the dedicated Alzheimer’s care center for the holidays. Every person with Alzheimer’s disease has some strengths, as well as limitations. Determine what these are, and work around the limitations. It’s probably true that a small, quiet gathering will be more easily handled that a large, noisy one.
Another possibility related to this season’s celebrations and family gatherings is that some members of the family may not be aware the person has Alzheimer’s disease. Others may be doubtful, even though they have been informed. Still others may simply not understand.
Why not use the sometimes-traditional holiday letter to share this news in a helpful and non-inflammatory way? It’s best if relatives and members of the family are kept informed. As an example, a family might write – “George was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s this summer. He is currently living in the Alzheimer’s Care Center at Bear Creek Nursing and Rehab. We keep trying to focus on the positive aspects and on George’s strengths. We are planning a small gathering with George over the holidays and would like for you to attend.”
Above all, if you are a family member, you are doubly positioned. Position one is to give your loved one with Alzheimer’s disease the best care possible. Position two is that you must take care of yourself.
A good gift for an Alzheimer’s patient is more hugs, and continuing love, along with regular short visits.
