Tips to reduce holiday stress

Large groups, unfamiliar places, noise and excitement can create a lot of anxiety for people living with dementia. This can make the holiday season stressful for them and their families. Here are some tips to help make the holidays more enjoyable for everyone:

• Set realistic expectations.
• Plan smaller get-togethers.
• Keep celebrations short, or, at longer gatherings, bring the person with dementia only for the most meaningful part of the event.
• Choose familiar places for events to help avoid confusion.
• Find a quiet area where the person can retreat and have someone keep them company.
• Do things that have special meaning such as looking at old family photographs or singing songs.