The Gift of Peace: How Dementia Caregivers Can Reduce Stress this Holiday Season

The holiday season can be a stressful time for many, but for the more than 11 million family members and friends serving as unpaid caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, the holidays can be especially challenging.

There are over 25,000 caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in Alaska.
In Alaska, nearly 30% of caregivers report feeling depressed and over 50% have a chronic health condition, according to the Alzheimer’s Associations 2023 Facts and Figures report.

Add in the holidays and caregivers may feel overwhelmed by maintaining traditions while also providing care. The Alzheimer’s Association Alaska Chapter offers tips on how families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias can safely enjoy time with family and friends during the holidays

Unique Challenges Facing Dementia Caregivers During the Holidays

The holidays are often filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing, laughter and meaningful moments. But they can also bring stress, disappointment and sadness. A person with Alzheimer’s may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays because of the changes he or she has experienced. At the same time, caregivers may feel overwhelmed maintaining traditions while providing care.
In the mild (early) stage, a person with Alzheimer’s may experience minor changes. Some may withdraw and be less comfortable socializing, while others may relish seeing family and friends as before. The key is to check in with each other and discuss options. A simple “How are you doing?” or “How are you coping with everything?” may be appreciated. Plan the holidays together, focusing on the things that bring happiness and letting go of activities that seem overwhelming or stressful.
As the disease progresses into the moderate (middle) and severe (late) stages, consider rethinking your holiday plans. Everyone is unique and finding a plan that works can involve trial and error.

Tips for Reducing Holiday Stress

Make sure others know. The holidays are full of emotions, so let guests know what to expect before they arrive and tell them how they can help. For example, what activities can they do with the person living with Alzheimer’s and how best to communicate with them. “Cross talk” or simultaneous conversations can be challenging for people living with Alzheimer’s – try engaging them one-on-one.
Build on traditions and memories. Take time to experiment with new traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit with your caregiving responsibilities, such as watching seasonal movies. For example, if evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch.
Involve the person with dementia. Involve the person in safe, manageable holiday preparation activities that he or she enjoys. Ask him or her to help you prepare food, wrap packages, help decorate or set the table. (Avoid using candies, artificial fruits and vegetables as decorations because a person with dementia might confuse them with real food. Blinking lights may also confuse the person.)
Plan ahead. When attending a holiday party, prepare the host for special needs, such as a quiet room for the person to rest when they get tired, away from the noise and distractions.
Adjust expectations. Call a face-to-face meeting or arrange for a group discussion via telephone, video chat or email for family and friends to discuss holiday celebrations. Make sure that everyone understands the situation and has realistic expectations about what you can and cannot do. No one should expect you to maintain every holiday tradition or event.
Let others contribute. Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably manage. Have a potluck dinner or ask others to host at their home. You also may want to consider breaking large gatherings up into smaller visits of two or three people at a time to keep the person with Alzheimer’s and yourself from getting overtired.
Adapt gift giving. Provide people with suggestions for useful, safe and enjoyable gifts for the person such as comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing; CDs of favorite music; favorite foods and photo albums of family and friends. (Check out our latest blog about the Alzheimer’s Association 2023 Holiday Gift Guide to find ideas for individuals living in the early, middle and late-stages of Alzheimer’s disease, as well as gift ideas for caregivers.)

Additional Resources

To help caregivers and families navigate holiday-related challenges, the Alzheimer’s Association offers tips and resources to ensure an enjoyable holiday for all at https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/holidays.
The Alzheimer’s Association provides information, programs and services at no charge to help caregivers and families living with Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the free Helpline at 800.272.3900, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
The Holiday’s and Alzheimer’s (Webpage)

No one should have to do this alone. Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia can often involve a team of people. Whether you provide daily caregiving, participate in decision-making, or simply care about a person with the disease, you deserve some rest and time for yourself. And we are here to help you navigate this journey. Call our helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or visit us online at alz.org/alaska to learn more.

ALZ Alaska Blog