If you are going to have a family dinner at your house, write down everything that you need to do. And, be sure to follow this list.
Try to make all the food items early as long as they won't go bad. Get the candy put into bowls a few days before a party, make that potato salad the day before, bake that cake that morning instead of 2 hours before the party.
Lay out the outfit that you are going to wear the night before. This way all you have to do is jump in the shower. No need to worry on what you are going to wear.
Set the table and place out serving bowls early. This can even be done a week before if you are very busy.
Gift Shopping
If you haven't done all your shopping, start now. This way you will have more time to prepare for family dinners and parties. Shopping for gifts can be very time consuming. Next year, try getting gifts throughout the year. If I see something in August that someone would like, I get it.
Fun Activities for Caregiver & Loved One
Put up that tree and/or other decorations together. Make some cocoa and have fun. Play the holiday music and sing, sing, sing.
Make your own decorations. This is an excellent activity, especially for those with a dementing disease such as Alzheimer's. Home-made ornaments can be made for the tree, cards for gifts can be made, or wreaths for the doors.
Bake cookies together and decorate them. Be creative.
Go over photo albums from past holidays.
Especially for Alzheimer Loved Ones
Plan early and tell your loved one what these plans are.
When having a family get together, try not to have a lot of noise. Laughing, singing, talking is fine. However, loud banging noises (i.e. New Year's) can frighten your loved one.
Make sure that there is a place in your home that your loved one can go to if it gets too overwhelming. A lot of people may be confusing to your loved one.
When decorating, avoid blinking lights. This may confuse your loved one.
If your loved one does not want to participate in the festivities, do not force the issue. Be patient and try again later.
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