Holidays and Alzheimer’s Disease: How Caregivers Can Reduce Stress and Enjoy the Season
The holiday season can be both joyful and overwhelming. Family gatherings often shine a spotlight on underlying tensions, from differing personalities to high expectations of creating the perfect celebration. For caregivers supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, these pressures can feel even heavier. Understanding how to balance seasonal traditions with realistic expectations is key to navigating the holidays and Alzheimer’s disease with less stress and more peace.
Tips to Reduce Holiday Stress
- Scale down your plans. Give yourself permission to simplify. You might choose to celebrate only one major holiday this year or enjoy a few smaller, quiet evenings at home. Consider ordering a prepared meal from your local grocer instead of cooking. Reduce or eliminate gift exchanges and focus only on children or grandchildren. Lighten your decorating load or skip it altogether if it feels overwhelming.
- Set clear limits. Be upfront with family and friends about what you can and cannot take on. You might say, “Because of our situation, I can’t host dinner this year,” or “We can visit for a short time, but we’ll need to head home early.” Setting boundaries helps avoid misunderstandings and protects your energy.
- Give yourself permission to say no. Declining invitations or requests is part of healthy caregiving. Even simple tasks can feel heavy when you are already stretched thin. Practice saying no ahead of time so the words come easily when needed. Keep it polite but firm: “I won’t be able to make the cookie exchange this year, but I’ll miss seeing everyone.”
- Involve your loved one. People with Alzheimer’s often enjoy watching familiar holiday activities. Whether it’s preparing a turkey, arranging decorations, or wrapping gifts, the sights, sounds, and scents may spark happy memories and provide comfort.
- Welcome small visits. If appropriate and safe, invite friends or family over in small groups. Short, calm visits can brighten the day for someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Keep gatherings small to prevent overstimulation.
- Take a scenic drive. Many individuals with dementia enjoy changes of scenery. Drive through neighborhoods with festive lights or holiday decorations. These simple outings can bring joy without the stress of social events.
- Create a quiet retreat. Noise and large groups can cause confusion or frustration for people with Alzheimer’s. Set aside a peaceful room where your loved one can rest, relax, or nap when needed.
When Managing the Holidays and Alzheimer’s Disease Take Time for Yourself
- Ask for help. Friends and family often want to support you, but they may not know how. Be specific: “Can you stay with my mom on Friday from 6 to 9 so I can attend a holiday gathering?”
- Consider hiring a caregiver. Bringing in a professional caregiver for a few hours each week can provide much-needed relief. Home health aides typically cost between $15 and $25 per hour depending on where you live. Ask for referrals from friends, neighbors, assisted living communities, or reputable home care agencies.
- Practice self-care. Your own well-being matters. Exercise several times a week, whether through gym visits or neighborhood walks. Physical activity increases serotonin and endorphins, helping boost your mood. Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep, eat well, and keep your own medical appointments. Spend time doing something that restores you, such as reading, journaling, yoga, or meditation.
- Explore respite care. Many assisted living or skilled nursing communities offer short-term stays for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These temporary stays give caregivers time to rest, handle personal responsibilities, or travel. Plan ahead, as respite rooms fill quickly during the holidays.
- Focus on the positive. Practicing gratitude can shift your perspective. Even though your loved one may have changed, shared moments of connection and joy are still possible. These moments, big or small, can become treasured memories.