The holiday season is filled with its own special atmosphere. Caregivers of patients with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can take steps to engage and involve those they are caring for in meaningful activities to bring a sense of joy and inclusion while being cautious not to overwhelm their emotions.
Creating enjoyable holiday experiences for memory care patients involves thoughtful planning and engaging activities that cater to their abilities and preferences. Understanding their capabilities and likes is key to ensuring a pleasant and inclusive holiday season.
Here are some suggestions to help make this season a joyful time for all:
• Make a List of Favorite Dishes: Take some time to talk about your client’s favorite holiday dishes and make a menu list for this year’s special dinner. Remember that these discussions can stir up memories and emotions. Give your clients the time they need to reflect so they can adequately express themselves and engage conversationally. Use this time and interaction to create a pleasant atmosphere for the upcoming holidays.
• Involve Patients in Simplified Meal Preparation: Involving memory care patients in easy tasks, such as washing vegetables, setting tables, or placing decorative napkins, can be a great way of engaging them and bringing a sense of joy during the holidays. Activities such as these can provide a sense of purpose and inclusion without feeling overwhelmed.
• Make Familiar Recipes: Prepare traditional dishes that the individual enjoys and associates with positive memories. However, be mindful of any dietary restrictions or preferences. Familiar flavors and smells can evoke pleasant feelings and stimulate conversation. Be sure to adhere to medically appropriate ingredients and meal preparation needs as healthcare providers prescribe.
• Decorate Together: Take some time to have enjoyable conversations about holiday aspects such as decorations. What is their favorite holiday decoration? What do they like most about Thanksgiving in this case? If the conversation extends to other holidays, such as Christmas or New Year’s, take notes of what is shared so you can revisit and incorporate those things as the season progresses. Uplift patients’ spirits by engaging them in decorating the dining area with simple crafts to meet their ability levels. This can include things such as making paper turkeys or hanging autumn-themed decorations. Set them up for success and fun by having achievable activities and give them time to enjoy the results!
Whatever you create together, whether a craft, recipe, or other, keep the completed product visible, bring it to the patient’s attention regularly, and highlight it to any visiting friends and family. Such pleasant and creative activities can bring joy and foster a sense of value and connectedness. This can also help to alleviate emotions of sadness, anxiety, or loneliness.
• Memory Sharing: Encourage family members to share stories and memories related to Thanksgiving because this can stimulate conversation and allow the individual to reminisce about past celebrations. Give ample time for patients to share their stories and reflect on meaningful memories. Actively engage in discussions that hold significant value to your clients. Look through photo albums together or talk about the meaningfulness of each holiday. Remember, these shared memories can bring a sense of connection and empathy, making the holiday season more meaningful for everyone involved.
• Music and Singing: Play familiar holiday music or songs the individual enjoys. Music can foster positive emotions and experiences, creating a joyful atmosphere. As a caregiver, you can use this tool to inspire and uplift the patient and yourself, making the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone.
• Visual Aids: Use visual aids like photo albums or family trees to help patients connect with family members and recall shared experiences. This can facilitate meaningful conversations and interactions.
• Short and Structured Activities: Plan short, structured activities that are easy to follow, such as a Thanksgiving-themed puzzle or a simple craft project. Keep activities brief to maintain engagement without causing frustration.
• Outdoor Time: If possible, take the individual outside for a short walk or to enjoy the fall scenery. Getting fresh air, natural light, and time in nature benefits health and well-being and is refreshing and uplifting.
• Mindful Eating: Create a calm and inviting dining environment. Use familiar table settings and minimize distractions to help the individual focus on the meal and enjoy the experience.
• Incorporate Sensory Experiences: Engage the senses in activities incorporating touch, smell, and taste. For example, allow them to feel the textures of different foods or smell the aromas of cooking. Sensory stimulation is particularly recommended for seniors with memory care issues.
• Family Involvement: Encourage family members to interact with the individual, offering support and companionship. Incorporate details from discussions about the patient’s favorite holiday dishes or decorations to help facilitate engagement. Assign a family member to stay close to the individual during gatherings to provide reassurance and assistance.
Be Patient, Flexible, and Engaging
Understand that plans may need to be adapted based on the individual’s mood and energy levels. If they seem overwhelmed or tired, taking a break or modifying activities is not just okay but necessary. Engaging senior patients in meaningful and enjoyable activities and purposeful engagement plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being and can help to support cognitive function.
At Perfect Care Match, our dedicated care staff is specially trained to incorporate meaningful engagement and authentic companionship as part of our integrated, holistic approach. Our care staff takes time to learn about our client’s personal and professional backgrounds, interests, hobbies and desires to identify and develop activities that will provide true value, enjoyment, stimulation, and meaningfulness.
Contact us at 833-726-2824 or visit our website, www.perfectcarematch.com, to learn more about our expert, holistic approach and flexible caregiving options.
References:
Supporting loved ones living with dementia at Christmas – Radfield Home Care. https://www.radfieldhomecare.co.uk/news/supporting-loved-ones-living-with-dementia-at-christmas
Duplantier, S., Duplantier, S., & Williamson, F. (2023). Barriers and Facilitators of Health and Well-Being in Informal Caregivers of Dementia Patients: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(5), 4328.