Whether it’s Easter or Christmas, holiday seasons can be stressful. Busy environments and a change of routine can be distressing for your loved one and then there’s the temptation to overindulge. Christina Collison has some useful tips on managing stress levels.
Holidays can be a joyful time spent with family and loved ones, but for dementia carers, they can also bring unique challenges. Balancing the desire to maintain traditions and ensuring the well-being of your loved one takes preparation and adaptability. Here are some practical tips to help you cope during the Easter holidays.
Consider the person’s level of awareness
Does your loved one know that it’s the holiday season? Understanding the stage of dementia your loved one is in can help you tailor the holiday experience to their needs.
If your loved one is in the early stages of dementia, they may still find joy in enjoying the Easter break and giving and receiving Easter eggs. Keeping things as normal as possible can bring comfort and a sense of familiarity.
If they are in the later stages of dementia, the Easter holidays may no longer hold meaning for the person. Sometimes, just spending time together in a calm and familiar setting is enough. It could be as simple as sharing a cup of tea, chatting, or listening to their favourite music.
Stick to a routine
A predictable routine provides much-needed structure and reassurance. The holiday season, however, often disrupts the usual schedule with changes in meal times, activities, and environments.
If you’re planning a holiday gathering with other family members, try to keep key aspects of their routine consistent. This includes maintaining regular meal times, rest periods, and familiar daily activities.
If you’re introducing decorations or holiday setups, do so gradually to minimise confusion. Loud noises, flashing lights, or rearranging furniture can be unsettling.
Structure and routine will not only comfort your loved one but also reduce the likelihood of stress or agitation during the holidays.
Keep gatherings small
Large family gatherings and bustling celebrations can quickly become overwhelming for a person with dementia. Instead, opt for a smaller, more intimate setting.
Limit the number of visitors at any one time. Too many faces or voices can lead to confusion and distress.
Ensure guests are mindful of the person’s needs and create a calm and welcoming atmosphere. At the same time, make sure you include the person in activities and conversations.
Small gatherings will enable your loved one to interact comfortably and enjoy the company of family without feeling overstimulated.
Plan visits and trips carefully
If you’re planning to visit your loved one or bring them to your home for the holiday, preparation is key to ensuring a positive experience for everyone involved.
Avoid travelling during peak times to sidestep the stress of heavy traffic. A calm and relaxed car ride will make the outing more enjoyable for everyone.
Be prepared for unexpected changes in the person’s mood or energy levels. Your loved one might feel the need to leave earlier than planned. Plan in advance who will drive the person home at short notice if needed.
Providing an environment where they feel safe and supported will enable them to enjoy the time they spend with family while minimising distress.
Don’t overdo the indulgences
Dementia can increase a person’s cravings for sweet treats, so if you buy your loved one an Easter egg, don’t be surprised if they want to eat it in one sitting. You may want to break up the egg and share some pieces of it with them to ensure they don’t overeat.
My mum always loved chocolate anyway, but used to moderate her intake of sweet treats. However, when she had dementia, she could eat an entire cake or packet of biscuits. Ensure the person isn’t overeating so that they don’t feel sick afterwards.
Accept the reality of change
Acknowledge that holidays may not be the same as they used to be for the person. They may not have the meaning they had before.
Focus on what matters most for the person. Whether it’s a quiet chat over tea, a shared meal, or a gentle walk in the garden, these small moments of connection can hold more warmth and importance than any grand celebration.