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Tips for Alzheimer’s caregivers during the holidays
By Denise Dick
CANFIELD
Holiday hustle and bustle can mean added stress for families of people suffering Alzheimer’s disease.
Pam Schuellerman, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association - Greater East Ohio Chapter, suggests loved ones educate themselves about the disease and what to expect.
“Knowledge is power,” she said. “You need to understand what to expect and the changes that are occurring.”
Some of the long-held family traditions may not be possible any more.
“A big part of that is expectations,” said Liz Mulroy, the association’s program director. “People may have ideas in mind how the holidays should be and have been.”
That can add stress.
Alzheimer’s, a type of dementia that causes problems with memory and behavior, affects more than 5 million Americans. It’s the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.
For cases where a loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, whether to bring them home for the holiday should be determined on an individual basis.
Mulroy suggests talking to the social worker at the facility to get his or her recommendation. Sometimes it’s too stressful for a person to come into unfamiliar surroundings.
If they withdraw and keep to themselves, for example, they may be happier staying in the facility, Mulroy said.
In those incidents, family may want to join their loved one for the celebration at the center.
During the holidays, caregivers may receive offers of help from family and friends visiting, and Mulroy urges them to accept it.
She suggests keeping a list of things that those who offer assistance can do.
“When people offer to help it’s really good for people to accept that help and to have a plan...,” she said. “There’s a tendency to say, ‘Oh, I’m managing. I can’t think of anything right now.’ Have some things in mind.”
The association, which has offices on U.S. Route 224, offers counseling, guidance and support for families, caregivers and patients living with the disease.