Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is always a challenge. How do you take care of your loved one and still enjoy the holidays? The National Institute on Aging has many tips to assist you, especially during this holiday season. Some key tips are to 1) Keep or adapt family traditions that are important to you. Include the person with AD as much as possible 2) Recognize that things will be different, and have realistic expectations about what you can do 3) Encourage friends and family to visit. Limit the number of visitors at one time, and try to schedule visits during the time of day when the person is at his or her best 4) Avoid crowds, changes in routine, and strange surroundings that may cause confusion or agitation.

http://www.nia.nih.gov/Alzheimers/Publications/caregiverguide.htm

 

Always try to remember to do you best to have enjoy the holidays and try to find some time for the holiday things you like to do.

 I came across The Caregivers' Bible (Source unknown)  and wanted to share it with you as the holidays are approaching. 
  • Maintain social contacts and as many activities as possible.
  • Formally and in writing schedule respite time for yourself on a daily or weekly basis. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference in your outlook. Stick to that schedule.
  • Involve other relatives in the care of the care recipient early on, including multiple-day care over weekends and holidays.
  • Do not martyr yourself. No one should expect to provide all care every day without help. If you can, get a job or activity away from home for periods of time.
  • Make sure that children and siblings understand the disease. Let them assume caregiving duties for short periods, so they experience first-hand the stress you experience as a caregiver. They, too, will suffer doubt, denial, guilt and anger, and the fury may be directed at you.
  • Guilt and anger are normal emotions. Recognize them for what they are, and avoid acting on them. Anger usually accompanies a sense of guilt.
  • The incidence of headache, insomnia, backache or other physical symptoms during caregiving can be stress-related, stemming from unresolved anger, guilt and/or depression. Nearly all caregivers are physically affected by the care recipient's illness. Face that fact and accept it. To remain an effective caregiver, you must take time out for yourself.