Communicate with others - Talk to potential guests before they come to inform them about the individual's current condition and any tips or concerns you have. You might provide
games, puzzle, or picture books that can be enjoyed together, if the person has trouble carrying on conversations.
Stick with the familiar - Staying at locations familar to the person will help minimize disorientation and anxiety. Participating in familar, yet simple, holiday traditions can help trigger long-term memories and joy. For instance, favorite hymns, foods, or scents are simple traditions that can be enjoyed.
Avoid overstimulation - The person with Alzheimer's or other form of dementia can be easily overstimulated, so pare down activities and noise. Having small groups of visitors over a longer period of time will be better than large group gatherings. Or, if it is a large gathering, have the person in another room, with pairs of people at a time coming in to visit.
Set realistic expectations - Know the limit of your loved one and of yourself. Make a plan that you are comfortable with and be flexible so that plans can be modified, if needed.
Create a moment for yourself - Ask others for help, to allow you a bit of time to enjoy the season yourself. Even if it is only enough time for a cup of tea and plate of cookies, it will help to reenergize you.
