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As the holidays approach, many of us are rushing around doing everything possible to make it a special time for those we love. As each day of the countdown passes, we become more anxious about what is left to do and fear that we will run out of time. As caregivers, the desire is strong to make the holiday special for our loved one with Alzheimer's. Our nervous anxieties are sensed by our loved ones, who may not understand quite what it is all about, and who may become confused and anxious as well.
In her article, "Surviving the Holidays", Jennifer Kay advises us to (1)think about what is most important and to plan accordingly, (2)avoid assuming all the responsiblity for the preparations, (3) encourage honest and open communication, and most importantly, (4) to be realistic in our expectations. Sheri Issa advises us on how to go about "Escaping the Holiday Coulda-Woulda-Shouldas". She lists several tips that will aid in simplifying the holidays. She adds that "As they say in the twelve-step programs, we need to acknowledge our limitations and enjoy the here and now." The holidays are a time when we really enjoy food-- perhaps a little too much. In her article Nourishing Holidays, nutritionist Rita Miller-Huey encourages us to ask ourselves "How can I make this recipe a little healthier and still taste good?" And when all the tempting goodies are sitting before us, she says we should ask ourselves these questions: "Am I really hungry for this? How will I feel later, if I eat this now? ... Do I need it right this minute? Could I wait till later when I'm not so full?" In another article, Ms. Miller-Huey shares a Healthy Holiday Recipe that combines healthy cranberries, apples, and raisins in a tasty, though sugarless, sauce. Realizing that stress, as well as poor nutrition, is dangerous to our health, Michael Plontz offers a Holiday Stress Assessment for Caregivers. This list of holiday tasks can help us to identify what is most important, what we enjoy, and just why we do what we do during the holidays. Finally, Gary Barg, editor of Caregiving Today, poetically gives us a look at A Caregiver's Christmas (or Caregiver's Night Before Christmas). As friends and relatives finally come to the rescue in this poem, I find myself wishing this for each of you who are caregivers to someone with Alzheimer's. May someone give you a break and offer some comfort and cheer. And may you give yourself a gift of slowing down enough to just enjoy the comfort and cheer offered by family and friends and to cherish a special time with your loved one with Alzheimer's. Go To Page: 1
The copyright of the article Home for the Holidays: AD & the Holidays, Part 2 in Alzheimer's Disease is owned by . Permission to republish Home for the Holidays: AD & the Holidays, Part 2 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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