Communicating with a loved one or client with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias is key to helping a person function at the optimal level and to reducing frustrations. How we communicate often affects how the client responds to the task we are helping them with.

How we communicate with someone with Alzheimer’s and related Dementias is very important. Alzheimer’s and related dementia affect a part of the brain that allows a person to communicate and remember information.

Activities are vitally important when working with individuals with Dementia. Activities are valuable to increase socialization, providing mental stimulation as well as exercise. Engaging people with Dementia in activities has been shown to decrease depression, improve self-esteem, improve quality of life, and decrease challenging behaviors.

The holidays are full of emotions, so it can help to let guests know what to expect before they arrive.

During the holidays, being flexible and adapting family rituals and traditions to meet the needs of a client or loved one with Dementia is important in helping everyone be able to enjoy the festivities. 

Traveling can be challenging when someone has Dementia and may not be restful and relaxing. The individual with Dementia may function well in a familiar place, however, travel disrupts all the sameness and familiarity and may be frightening to the individual with Dementia. Clearly travel is possible, but it involves considerable planning on the part of the caregiver. 

When planning Holiday activities for a person living with Dementia it is important to maintain or adapt to family rituals and traditions. Find out what your client and/or loved one liked to do in the past. Knowing their traditions can help.

The holidays may present many challenges when engaging a loved one or client. It is important to engage individuals with Dementia and keep them involved in activities that may align with their previous holiday traditions.

When caring for clients or loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, the thought of the holidays may be overwhelming.. The key to making the holidays as pleasant and stress free as possible for the person with dementia, as well as for friends and family, is planning and managing expectations.