When caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia, the holiday season can still be a joyful opportunity to create new, meaningful moments together.
To help you achieve that goal, The Kensington Sierra Madre hosts “A Holiday Positive Approach to Care.” Drawing from Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach to Care, this event offers practical techniques to enhance understanding and communication with your loved ones with dementia during the holidays.
Join us on Dec. 11 at 3 p.m. PT as Amanda Bulgarelli, COO of PAC & Lead Mentor and Leandra Sims, Kensington Memory Care Manager & PAC Mentor, provide guidance and warmth to make your season bright.
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Embrace the holidays with loved ones with Alzheimer’s and dementia
Celebrating the holidays with a loved one who has dementia doesn’t have to be stressful.
Adopting the Positive Approach to Care (PAC) allows you to create meaningful moments that honor their current abilities and preferences.
PAC, developed by dementia expert Teepa Snow, provides caregivers with strategies to handle the challenges and emotional outbursts associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Instead of reacting with frustration, it teaches caregivers to maintain composure, adopt a nurturing approach, and focus on the abilities their loved ones still possess to foster compassionate, respectful interactions.
Practical tips and scripts for a joyful holiday season
Dementia and Alzheimer’s affect behavior, mobility, balance, and communication. For those living with these conditions, the overstimulation of the holiday season can be overwhelming.
Here are concise tips, specific examples, and scripts to help you ensure a joyful holiday season for your loved one.
1. Approach with empathy and respect
- PAC principle: Use the Positive Physical Approach™ by approaching from the front, making eye contact, and greeting warmly.
- Caregiver script: “Hi, Mom, it’s so good to see you! Would you like to help me with something special?”
- Tip: Always introduce yourself if there’s any doubt they recognize you, and use a friendly tone.
2. Simplify the holiday celebrations
- PAC principle: Focus on what brings joy and reduces potential stressors.
- Caregiver script: “Dad, I thought we could decorate the tree with these ornaments you love. How does that sound?”
- Tips: Simplify decoration and choose familiar and simple décor to avoid overstimulation. Adjust gatherings to opt for small, quiet celebrations instead of large parties.
3. Engage in meaningful activities that match their current abilities
- PAC principle: Involve them in tasks that match their abilities, promoting a sense of purpose.
- Caregiver script: “Mom, would you like to help me stir this cookie dough? Your cookies are always the best.”
- Tips: Have them assist with simple tasks like mixing ingredients. Create holiday cards or simple decorations.
4. Communicate clearly and slowly
- PAC Principle: Use short, simple sentences and offer visual cues.
- Script: Pick out a festive scarf. “Would you like to wear this scarf? It looks cozy.”
- Tips: Speak slowly and clearly to allow time for them to process. Use gestures such as pointing or demonstrating actions.
5. Manage sensory overload
- PAC principle: Be mindful of their sensory experiences to prevent overstimulation.
- Script: “Let’s sit over here where it’s quieter. We can look at the photo album together.”
- Tips: Control noise levels to keep music and conversations at a comfortable volume. Designate a quiet space in your house for them to relax if needed from overstimulation.
6. Anticipate and address their physical needs and incontinence
- PAC Principle: Be proactive in meeting physical needs to prevent discomfort.
- Script: “Before we head out, let’s take a moment to use the restroom. It’ll make our trip more comfortable. I’ve also packed some extra supplies, just in case, so we can enjoy our day without any worries.”
- Tips:
- Schedule rest periods during activities to prevent fatigue.
- Keep an eye out for cues of anxiety or fatigue.
- Ensure they use the bathroom before leaving the house, consider using incontinence briefs for security, and carry backup supplies to handle potential accidents gracefully.
7. Respect their reality
- PAC Principle: Enter their world rather than correcting them, which can reduce distress.
- Script:
- Your Loved One: “I need to set the table for my parents. They’ll be home soon.”
- You: “Tell me about dinner with your parents. What was your favorite meal?”
- Tips: Avoid arguing over incorrect details and gently redirect if they get off-topic. Validate their feelings and acknowledge their emotions if they have outbursts.
8. Talk with your family ahead of time to reduce surprises
- PAC principle: Prepare to reduce surprises and maintain a calm environment.
- Script: You to Family Members: “Aunt Lisa responds well when you speak softly and avoid sudden movements. She loves talking about her childhood if you’d like to ask her.”
- Tips:
- Create a schedule ahead of time to maintain regular eating, bathing, and eating routines as much as possible during holiday visits.
- Prepare guests and family members with the best ways to interact with your loved one before the party starts.
9. Make your home fall-proof before the party
- PAC Principle: Modify the environment to meet their needs.
- Script: “These slippers will keep your feet warm. Let’s put them on before we go to the living room.”
- Tips:
- Remove tripping hazards such as boxes, string lights, and decorations to prevent falls.
- Dress your loved one in familiar, comfortable clothing with non-slip socks or shoes.
10. Take care of yourself too
- PAC principle: Self-care enables you to provide better care for your loved one.
- Script: You to yourself: “It’s okay to ask for help. Taking a break will help me be more present and patient.”
- Tips:
- Set realistic expectations that not everything will go perfectly, and that’s ok.
- Seek support from friends or family or reach out to others trained in PAC methods, such as The Kensington Sierra Madre’s upcoming event.
The Kensington Sierra Madre: your partner in compassionate care
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we are proud to be the first Positive Approach to Care-designated senior living community in California.
We ensure that your loved ones receive the most understanding and skilled care possible.
As an assisted living and memory care community, we specialize in supporting individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other needs.
Our expert care team is trained to provide top-notch support, and our community is designed specifically for those with memory loss.
We also offer essential resources and guidance to help families confidently manage caregiving challenges.
Contact The Kensington Sierra Madre today to schedule a free tour or to speak with our admissions office for more information. Let us show you how we can be your partner in compassionate care.