Providing care for a loved one with Alzheimer’s can make even fun and familiar things hard. One of the more stressful things when caring for a loved one is preparing for visitors. With the holiday season, you’ll likely have more visitors than normal. There are a lot of people who would like to stop by and show their love and connection to you and your loved one. There are also services, such as Alzheimer’s care providers who come to the home, that you might see more frequently.
If you’re the caregiver of an aging loved one with Alzheimer’s, you understand how simple tasks that you probably never gave much thought to in the past, now must be carefully considered and planned out so that your loved one can enjoy them without becoming overly agitated or stressed out.
To help both you and your loved one prepare for regular visits like their Alzheimer’s care team or special visits like aunts and uncles from out of town, here are some tips that will make sure everyone enjoys their time together.
- As much as possible, keep your loved one’s routine the same. If his Alzheimer’s care provider comes over on Mondays to help with laundry and a meal, try to keep that person coming on Mondays even when the holidays hit.
- For other visitors, determine a time that will work for all visitors. Maybe right after lunch is best (earlier in the day is often a better time). Then talk to each person who wants to visit and schedule them for the same time but on different days. This will help your loved one be more prepared for a slight interruption at that time of day.
- If the family is coming that he hasn’t seen for a while, start showing him photos of the family members about a week before they arrive. Each day as you look at the photo, talk about who that person is to him and maybe share a couple of core memories.
- Arrange for a phone call first. If your loved one will speak on the phone, this will allow him to hear the person’s voice and perhaps trigger some memories. It’ll also help him to perhaps recognize the voice when the person visits. For your guests, it may give them a chance to understand what to expect on their visit so they’ll be more comfortable as well.
- Keep groups small. A large group of a dozen family members may become too overwhelming. Request that just a few come over and let them choose who should come (unless you know of someone your loved one would really like to see). Don’t worry about hurt feelings, you’re doing what your loved one needs to enjoy his holiday visits.
- Don’t be afraid to say no. If the time/schedule your guests want to visit doesn’t work with your loved one’s schedule, it’s okay to say no. It’s also okay to call them last minute if your loved one is having a hard day.
Hopefully, these tips will help your loved one, yourself, and your guests have a good visit.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Alzheimer’s Care Services in Richmond CA, please contact the caring staff at Alondra Home Care today. Call (855)-767-1110.
Providing Exceptional Home Care Services in the Fremont CA and Alameda County area for over 5 years.
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