NEW YORK, NY.-As families plan to gather around the Thanksgiving dinner table this week, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America has some simple steps to make holiday celebrations dementia-friendly.
According to the AFA, an estimated 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness.
“We want individuals living with dementia to experience the joy and togetherness that comes with Thanksgiving, which is why it’s important for family caregivers to be proactive and sensitive to their loved ones’ needs,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, SIFI, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services.
Six tips for an Alzheimer’s/dementia-friendly Thanksgiving:
Consider routine: Take the family member suffering from Alzheimer’s/dementia’s routine into consideration when planning your holiday. Changes to routine may be upsetting, so try to stick to routine or hold your celebrations earlier.Plan for help: Give them specific tasks that they can help with, such as asking them to bring a dish, help with cooking, shopping or decorating.Prepare: Prepare your loved one for the presence of guests by familiarizing them with the guests beforehand by showing photos or sharing stories.Inform guests: Share beneficial information with guests about your loved one, including how to communicate, what they respond well to and what may distress them.Keep your loved one involved: Make adaptations that enable your loved one to participate in the celebration by focusing on what they can do, rather than what they cannot.Have a quiet space available: Prepare a quiet place away from the crowd where the person with dementia can go if the celebration becomes too much for them.
