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Holidays and the Family Member With Middle-Stage Alzheimer’s Disease

Session 2 in our caregiver series

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Ground Rules

Being on camera is optional.

Please use the chat to comment and/or ask questions if your camera is off.

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Please start with your audio on “mute.”

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Agenda

Learning objectives

  1. Creating a safe but festive atmosphere
  2. Involving your loved one during the holidays
  3. Communicating with family members coming for the holidays
  4. Taking care of yourself

Closing/Q and A

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Learning Objectives

In this session, you will be able to:

  1. Identify ways to create a safe, calm, and festive atmosphere
  2. Give examples of how to involve your loved one during the holidays
  3. Practice conducting a conversation with out-of-town family members who may not have seen their loved one in a long time
  4. Give examples of how to take care of yourself during the holidays

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Creating a Safe, Calm, and Festive Atmosphere

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Decorations and bright, bold colors may prove to be overwhelming.

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Fruit Bowl?

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Avoid candles or use electronic ones if necessary.

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Singing holiday songs can be soothing to your loved one.

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Gift Giving

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DOs

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DON’Ts

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What was your biggest takeaway in this section? Write it in the chat.

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Chat Debrief

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Involving your Loved One During the Holidays

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Giving Roles and Tasks to Your Loved One

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Baking Adjustments

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Small gatherings of 4-5 people are best with family celebrations.

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An example of a “quiet room” for 1:1 time

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“Sundowning”

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As the sun sets, irritability, anxiety, restlessness, and/or confusion intensifies

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How do you plan to involve your loved one during the holidays?

What was your favorite tip?

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Share in your Breakout Rooms.

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Breakout Rooms Debrief

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Conversations with

Family Members

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Communication Best Practices

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You are writing an email to family members who are coming over to see your loved one. These family members haven’t seen your loved one in six months.

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What tips would you suggest to let your family members know (or be aware of)?

Discuss and write 3-5 responses in your breakout rooms.

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Breakout Rooms

Debrief

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Taking Care of Yourself

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Always put your oxygen mask on first.

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Ask family members to visit in shifts.

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Possible answers to “How can I help?”

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Possible answers to “How can I help?” (cont.)

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Whiteboard Answers

Debrief

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Questions?

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Thank you for attending!

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