Tips for Christmas with an Alzheimer's Family Member

Here are some ideas to make Christmas easier with an Alzheimer's patient. Their degree of dementia dictates what needs are priority. Label the doors and cabinets with decorative Christmas tags. This will help them find things and reduce confusion. Leave lights on in the hallway and bathroom so they don't fall. Remove rugs or cords that could cause a fall, put away clutter and nick knacks that might get in the way as well. Rent or borrow special equipment including a raised toilet seat with grab bars, shower seat, slip proof mats, bigger silverware, lap mat, waterproof pads, or depends.

Keep your medicine put away so the dementia patient does not take your medicine in their confusion. Make sure you have enough of the patient's medication to get them through the holidays.

Give them small amounts of food, be flexible and accommodating. Many people with dementia eat slowly, so an insulated plate to keep their food warm longer helps. Let them help with the kitchen chores such as stirring things, fixing the green beans, or setting the table dependent on their capability. If they are uncomfortable eating with the family, let them eat earlier or in another room. Many of them drop food or their hands shake so they may be embarrassed to eat in front of the family.

Try to give the dementia patient something that will keep their focus. Suggestions include watching The Animal Planet station on TV, travel magazines, National Geographic magazines, family photo albums, easy puzzles with big pieces, simple games, simple craft projects, wrapping presents, putting decorations on the presents and decorating the tree and house. Singing songs with them is another activity they will love. Remember they will need patience, supervision and gentle guidance with all these activities.

Soothing, calm music helps with the agitated, restless behavior that some patients develop in the late afternoon. The dementia patient may go through cupboards and drawers try to leave the house, or become physical. If possible install an alarm that goes off if the doors are opened at night. Give walks or outings several times a day to tire them out. Instruct family members and friends how to interact and work with your loved one.

Speak clearly and calmly using simple short sentences. Avoid asking them direct questions or asking them for information they may not understand or be able to answer. Too many choices will cause them to get upset. Help them with names and realize you will have to remind them over and over during their visit. Your loved on will need continual patience and understanding. Realize that too many people or too much activity can cause them to become more confused and upset. Don't correct their confused memories, show tolerance and understanding that in their mind the events occurred. Meet them in conversation at their level, not where you want them to be. Study your loved one to see how they are reacting to the situation and then be ready to soften the circumstances or intervene.