Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to gather together. But it can also be a time of stress, preparation, and responsibility. Hosting family and friends, preparing a meal, and looking toward the end of the year, all while caring for your loved one, can make this heartwarming holiday feel challenging. As we head toward Thanksgiving, it’s important to remain focused on what this season is all about—feeling gratitude and spending time with loved ones.
Involve your loved one in traditions. Those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia may feel particularly sad or lonely during this time of year because of how disconnected they feel from their normal selves. As a family caregiver, involving your loved one can be stressful, but it’s worth the extra effort—and you don’t have to do it all on your own. Bring the whole family into simple, stress-free activities like setting the table, arranging the food, or preparing to play an interactive game. This can help take some of the pressure off your shoulders while still including your loved one in every moment.
Be mindful of your environment. Loud noises or crowded gatherings can easily overwhelm your loved one. Even though it’s nice to include them in all the action, be sure to create quiet spaces they can retreat to. Setting up a photo slideshow in another room, playing soft music, or even having a relative take your loved one on a walk outside can be a great way to center them amidst the holiday chaos. This will help ensure the holidays are comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Use technology to your advantage. Technology doesn’t always have to be a disruption. While it may be preferable to put phones away during a family Thanksgiving meal, keeping your mobile device nearby can help things run smoothly. Set reminder notifications to stick to your loved one’s routine, add your family members to a group chat for easy communication, and use the Brite Trace app to report any noticeable shifts in your loved one’s mood or behavior. It’s too easy to get distracted by everything going on around you during the holidays. These resources can help make sure nothing gets overlooked.
While the holidays look different for everyone, one thing’s for sure: Getting to spend time with your loved one during this season is a gift. By involving your loved one in traditions, being mindful of your environment, and using technology to your advantage, you’ll create memories in a safe, comfortable way and find new reasons to feel thankful this holiday season.
We hope the new Brite Trace app can help make your holidays easy and stress-free. We invite you to download the app and encourage your family members to join through digital invitations. That way, you can go into holiday prep knowing that you’re not alone in caring for your loved one.
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