The Benefits of Being Home for the Holidays and In-home memory care
- Familiar Surroundings Provide Comfort
For individuals with dementia, a familiar environment is a source of great comfort and reassurance. Being surrounded by familiar sights, sounds, and routines reduces anxiety and confusion. The holidays, with all their excitement, can sometimes be overwhelming, but when celebrated in the comfort of their home, your loved one will feel safer and relaxed. - Reducing Stress and Overstimulation
Busy gatherings, loud conversations, and bustling environments are stressful for someone with dementia. Staying home allows for better control over the environment—minimizing loud noises and overstimulation. When your loved one is in their own space, you can regulate the number of visitors, adjust the volume of music, and create a calm, soothing atmosphere that is less likely to trigger confusion or agitation. - Tailored Schedule for Their Needs
Individuals with dementia often have fluctuations in energy and mood throughout the day, and certain times—like the late afternoon—can be more challenging due to conditions like sundowning when we get tired. Celebrating the holidays at home allows you to tailor the schedule to your loved one’s natural rhythm, avoiding stressful late-night gatherings and opting for earlier, quieter festivities when they’re most comfortable and alert. - Bringing the Holiday Meal to Them
Instead of expecting your loved one to take part in preparing or traveling for a big holiday meal, bring the celebration to them. Preparing and sharing a holiday meal in their home not only keeps them comfortable but allows them to be part of the experience without added pressure. This way, you can ensure the meal suits their dietary needs, and they can enjoy the familiar smells and tastes of the season in a low-stress way. Use disposable plates, silverware, and napkins to make clean up stress-free.
How to Prepare Before Arriving at Their Home
Planning ahead is key to creating a smooth and enjoyable holiday for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind before arriving at your loved one’s home:
- Set Realistic Expectations with Family
Before the gathering, talk with family members about your loved one’s current needs and abilities. Help them understand what to expect so they can adjust their behavior accordingly. This may mean limiting the number of visitors at a time, keeping visits brief 2-3 hours max, and reminding family not to ask questions that could confuse or frustrate your loved one. Rather give compliments, be present in the moment, and focus on topics they are confident talking about. - Keep the Guest List Small
Large gatherings can be overwhelming, so consider keeping the celebration small and intimate. If extended family members want to visit, it may be helpful to stagger the visits on different days so your loved one can enjoy more personal, smaller interactions. - Plan Around Their Best Time of Day. Late mornings and early afternoons are their most alert and pleasant times, plan your visit or meal for those hours. *Think brunch or lunch and if applicable plan on earlier service times (avoid the midnight mass). By working with their schedule, you help ensure the day is enjoyable for everyone.
- Modify the Meals. If your loved one struggles with silverware and that struggle then affects the entire meal, then consider serving food that is finger food. Serving sandwiches, chicken strips, French fries, and fresh fruit like strawberries can help him feel more confident in his ability to feed themselves, and that confidence may help them eat more.
- Serve drinks in half-full cups with lids and straws. These tips can help reduce the risk of your loved one spilling a drink. Also keep drinks a medium temperature instead of really hot or cold.
How to Be Flexible at Their Home
When you arrive at their home, flexibility is key to ensuring the day goes smoothly. Here are some tips for maintaining a calm, positive atmosphere:
- Stay in Their Reality
Your loved one may not remember who everyone is or may not be able to follow conversations easily. Rather than correcting them, it’s important to stay in their reality. If they believe it’s a different year or mix up names, go with the flow. Enter their world rather than trying to bring them into ours. This approach can help avoid frustration and keep the mood light. - Adjust the Day as Needed
If your loved one begins to show signs of fatigue or agitation, be ready to adjust the day’s activities. Whether that means taking a break, turning off the music, or shortening a visit, staying attuned to their needs and being flexible will make the day more enjoyable for everyone. - Find Meaningful Ways to Interact
Instead of asking your loved one questions that could cause confusion or frustration, engage them in meaningful activities. Here are a few ideas:- Adult Craft Projects: Simple crafts like decorating ornaments, creating festive wreaths, or painting can be enjoyable and engaging. Opt for easy-to-manage activities that don’t require too many steps.
- Music Therapy: Playing familiar holiday tunes can have a calming and joyful effect. Music often unlocks memories and emotions, so choose songs that are meaningful to your loved one and encourage them to sing along if they wish.
- Reminiscing: Rather than asking questions, reminisce by looking through old photo albums or watching home videos together. You can share stories from the past, which may spark recognition and warmth for your loved one.
- Low-Stimulation Games: Simple games, like sorting colorful objects, arranging flowers, or playing with tactile materials like soft fabrics, can provide engagement without overwhelming them.
- Pets & nature: If you need additional ideas for photos, videos, or topics focus on animals and nature.
Creating a Meaningful Holiday at Home
The holidays are about connection and love, and celebrating at home with your loved one who has dementia can be just as meaningful as a large family gathering—if not more so. By focusing on what’s most comfortable and enjoyable for them, you can create a holiday filled with warmth, joy, and peace.
The key is to slow down, meet your loved one where they are, and adjust the day’s activities to their needs. Being mindful of overstimulation, time of day, and their emotional state will allow you to create a holiday experience that is both supportive and heartwarming.
Conclusion: The Importance of Being Home
There’s no place like home—especially for someone living with dementia. The familiarity of home provides comfort, stability, and a sense of belonging that can make all the difference during the holidays. By bringing the holiday celebration to them, you not only keep them in a place they know and love, but you also create a peaceful and meaningful environment where they can truly enjoy the season.
Whether it’s sharing a quiet meal, listening to music, or reminiscing over old memories, you’ll be giving your loved one the gift of time, comfort, and love in a place where they feel safest. This holiday season, remember that being home can be the greatest gift of all.
If your loved one is in need of in-home memory care in Lincoln, NE, please contact Home Care Partners today at (402) 780-1211.
If your loved one’s wish is to continue living in their forever home, we can make that possible. Reach out to us today our consults and cognitive assessments are FREE 402-780-1211.
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