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Make the Holidays Easier for a Loved One Living With Alzheimer's Disease


If a loved one is suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you may need to lower your expectations of what to expect from them during the upcoming holidays. When you include them in family gatherings, you must take precautions to not let them get over-stimulated as boisterous, noisy activities can agitate and confuse people with dementia. Experts say it is better to have a small get-together or to set aside a quiet part of the house where relatives can take turns visiting the person in a more intimate setting.

The goal is to make the holiday season as easy on you as it is on the person with Alzheimer's disease so everyone can focus on enjoying their time together. The Alzheimer’s Association recommends that you keep plans simple and maintain your loved one’s daily routines as much as possible to avoid upsetting them. They also advise celebrating early in the day and to have a noon meal rather than a late dinner.

If you are visiting your loved one at a memory care community, bring along some pictures of the family and take the time to quietly sit and talk about them. If you are bringing your loved one to your home, play familiar music and serve foods you know they like. Set time aside to do some activities with the family such as making a memory book or telling stories. Other suggestions include taking a short walk or decorating cookies together.

Be sure to warn family members and friends about any changes in their behavior and condition so they do not expect more than the person has the ability to offer. Remind them that Alzheimer’s can diminish a person’s ability to communicate and that it is helpful to speak slowly and in a relaxed tone. The Alzheimer’s Association says to avoid saying things like, “Don’t you remember?” Also, address the person by name and be patient, stay calm and supportive.

Along with assisted living, Houston’s MorningStar at River Oaks offers 27 suites in our Reflections Neighborhood for the specialized care of individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related diseases. Our holistic care includes wellness programs and activities that leverage the power of dance, music, art, exercise, animals and aromatherapy to heal and comfort. We recognize that the essence of the individual remains despite the extent of memory loss, and that our job is to find ways to connect with and nurture that essence. Please contact us or visit our website for more information.

MorningStar is guided by a culture rooted in our mission of honoring God, valuing seniors, and investing in our team, which allows us to deliver services with warmth, sincerity and depth of purpose. We have built a reputation for creating homes filled with an atmosphere of love and community. Please contact us to learn more about the finest assisted living and memory care Houston TX offers.

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