Thanksgiving is a time when many people get together for a delicious meal and a day with family. It can be a busy and chaotic day. For most people, it’s enjoyable. However, older adults who have Alzheimer’s disease may find all the commotion confusing and frightening. They may not understand what is going on and have difficulty enjoying the holiday. However, there are ways to help the older adult to get into the spirit and help them enjoy the holiday more. Below are some ideas to help your aging relative with Alzheimer’s disease to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Decorate with Caution
Decorating is an important part of celebrating holidays. When the house looks festive, it can be a reminder to your aging relative that the seasons are changing and something important is happening. However, some decorations can cause confusion and may be a safety issue. Decorations should be subtle and not include big displays that could be confusing for the senior. Also, avoid decorations that clutter walkways or that look like food the older adult might try to eat.
An elder care provider can help the older adult to decorate, which can give them a sense of purpose and inclusion in the holiday. Elder care providers can even assist them to make some homemade decorations, like painted paper leaves.
Use Battery Operated Candles
If candles on the table are a usual part of your family celebration, switch from real ones with open flames to battery operated candles. Open flames can be a safety hazard and may be frightening to your aging relative.
An elder care provider can take your older family member to the store to purchase safe decorations, including battery operated candles.
Have a Quiet Room Available
Because noise and commotion can be overwhelming to someone with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s important to have a quiet room they can retreat to. Set up a room with the things the older adult might need for comfort, such as some familiar items or activities.
An elder care provider can take the senior to the quiet room and sit with them to keep them safe and comfortable while the family carries on with their celebration.
Update Family Members Before the Event
It can be helpful to contact those who will be attending the Thanksgiving celebration ahead of time to give them an update about the senior’s condition. Give them some tips for how to interact with the older adult, so that the senior is included in the celebration.
Elder care providers can help to keep your aging relative involved in what is going on by assisting them with communicating and helping others to communicate with them as well.
Sources
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/caregivers/in-depth/alzheimers/art-20047715
https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/holidays
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/holiday-hints-alzheimers-caregivers
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elder Care in Redington Beach, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
