Ideas for holiday season stress
My husband is almost 70 with early- mid (IDK) Alzheimer's. I am 72. We have been under tremendous stress since Hurricane Helene hit Western NC. It seems like we are now in the recovery stage. The elections added to anxiety/agitation but his pick won so that helps.
What ideas, tips for the getting through the holidays do you kind folks have? Talking/living with him can be like trying to walk through a minefield many times. All the best ...
Thanks in advance!
Hello, and thank you for being here with our community. I am sorry to learn that things have been stressful in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. I am glad you are safe, and things are turning a positive corner. I appreciate your question about the holidays, as some other community members may think the same. Depending on your husband's interests, you could look for activities he might gravitate to. As a caregiver to my father, he helped me with my holiday cards; he would add return address labels and stamps to the envelopes. If you and your husband like to cook or bake, your husband could help with baking or icing if you plan to make cookies. If you are both comfortable walking and taking drives, you could venture out and look at the holiday displays and lights in your city/town or neighborhood. I would also visit your local senior center and library to learn about holiday concerts or crafts. Feeding birds and maintaining the feeders can also be a fun responsibility, along with bird watching. Many holiday concerts are free and presented by student-led choirs or church groups.
If you don't mind sharing, what have you found that calms your husband during his anxious times? I came across an article written by one of our team members about enjoying the holiday season with a loved one with Alzheimer's. https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/how-to-enjoy-the-holidays
Please let us know how things are going and if you have suggestions to share from your experiences. I am sending along a comforting hug and peace. Respectfully, Nancy Alzheimersdisease.net Team Member
I sincerely thank you for your feedback and the link to the article. As I read it I was reminded of the K.I.S.S. principle... keep it simple silly. So maybe that will be my goal and hope for the best. Warm regards, 2dogmama. I am so glad to be of support. Please keep in touch on how things are going, and let us know if you have any ideas or suggestions to share with our community. Best, Nancy Alzheimersdisease.net Team Member
Hi
, while you're waiting for feedback from the community, I wanted to share some excellent from our contributors that I hope will be helpful:
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/gratitude-new-holiday-memories'
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/how-to-enjoy-the-holidays
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/preparing-for-the-holidays
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/holidays-dementia-friendly
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/gifting-tips-for-loved-ones
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/embracing-all-seasons
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/thanksgiving-more-than-turkey
https://alzheimersdisease.net/forums/surviving-the-holidays-as-a-caregiver
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/advocacy-activities
And one that can help you with this hectic season:
https://alzheimersdisease.net/living/need-extra-help
I hope there is something useful there for you. - Warmly, Donna (Tam Member)Greetings Donna. Thanks for passing along the links! I look forward to reading them. Maybe I will be inspired to raise the bar a little bit higher although we are pretty worn out from the hurricane. Right now, I feel like buying a beautiful poinsettia and calling it good ... peaceful.
Best wishes to you and your yours. - 2dogmama, you're most welcome! And that is 100% okay! Poinsettias are a beautiful call to the season, and as long as it brings the feeling you seek from the holiday, it's perfect. The biggest part is managing expectations - our own and that of others - and keeping everything as manageable as possible. What that looks like is different for everyone, and no version is wrong. I hope there is much joy for you, your loved one and your family. We're always here if you need a chat. - Warm (((hugs))), Donna (Team Member)
Thank you Donna! I appreciate you folks. It is comforting to hear from you folks. Sometimes I tell myself it's okay to just keep it out of the ditches...focus on safety. SMH
Peace., You're most welcome. I agree, sometimes we have to forsake lofty goals in favor of just making it through a day. And you know what? That's okay. (((hugs))), Donna (Team Member)
