For most families, the holidays are filled with opportunities for togetherness, sharing laughter and memories. For people caring for the 65,000 Coloradoans with Alzheimer’s disease, the holidays can also be filled with stress, disappointment and sadness. Because of the changes caused by Alzheimer’s, families as well as the person with the disease may feel a special sense of loss during the holidays. Caregivers may also feel overwhelmed by trying to maintain holiday traditions while providing care. In addition, there may be some hesitation about inviting family and friends over to share the holiday for fear they will be uncomfortable with the changes they see in the person with the disease.

Here are some suggestions from people in the Early Stages of Alzheimer’s as well as caregivers for creating happy, contented and memorable holidays.

“Don’t feel compelled to hang onto established family traditions if they are no longer practical,” said Deb Wells, caregiver for her husband John. “Be willing to substitute or start a new activity that may become a tradition.”

Judy Lyons, caregiver for her husband Frank, added, “I eliminated lots of recipes, traditional ones that only one or two people in the family like. I also purchased dessert. It helped me so I didn’t have to be cooking all day. We used everyday dishes, stuff that would go in the dishwasher. It made a lot of difference in the amount of time spent in the kitchen.” “One thing I did last year was to put gifts in bags instead of wrapping them. This saved me lots of time.  I collect bags from year to year so this also recycles,” continued Lyons.

“If you attend religious services, perhaps select an option that will be less busy than the more popular sessions,” said Wells.

The Fort Collins Early Stage Support Group also suggests the following: 

• Invite children to visit only briefly or hold events that are adults only.
• Consider multiple small holiday meals with fewer people.
• Ask adult children to rotate “buddying” up with the person struggling with memory loss. They can help monitor anxiety, overstimulation and tiredness as well as triggers for wandering, a risk if no one has been specifically tasked with staying close to the person with the disease.
• Bring a special dinner to the assisted living or care facility instead of taking the person with the disease out to a crowded restaurant.

Gift Ideas

Gift Ideas for the Caregiver

• Books or magazine subscription
• Gift certificate from a favorite store or day spa for a massage
• Something the household budget might not allow (massage, spa treatment, etc.)
• A supply of frozen and dated home-made meals
• Regular visits to the loved one in a long-term care facility
• Safety/assistive devices (e.g. exit alarms, hand-held shower, safety knobs)
• Your time (e.g., stay at the home so the spouse or child can attend a support group meeting, a movie, a day spa or to enjoy a favorite pastime)
• A coupon for coffee or a movie with a friend

Gift Ideas for the Person with Alzheimer’s

• Sneakers with Velcro or easy care clothing
• Tickets to a ball game, circus or concert (early stage)
• Music
• Books with large pictures and few words
• Photo albums with pictures of children at different stages
• Modeling clay, watercolors
• Short car trips
• Simple and familiar games (early stage)
• Pet visits (late stage)
• Your listening and hugs 
• A Medic Alert + Alzheimer’s Association Safe Return bracelet
• Pass to the State or National Park
• Seasonal pass to the zoo or membership at a local museum