Dementia Tips-Holiday Series - Preparing Your Guests
The holidays are full of emotions, so it can help to let guests know what to expect before they arrive. If the person is in the early stages of Alzheimer's, relatives and friends might not notice any changes. If the person is in the middle or late stages of Alzheimer's, there may be significant changes in cognitive abilities since the last time an out-of-town friend or relative has visited.
You may find it easier to share changes in a letter or email that can be sent to multiple recipients.
Let guests know that the person with dementia may have trouble following conversation or tend to repeat him - or herself.
Wear name tags at family events so your loved one is familiar with the people around them.
Family can help with communication by being patient, not interrupting or correcting, and giving the person time to finish his or her thoughts.
Encourage guests to ask questions with yes and no answers.
Acknowledge that these changes can be hard to accept. Make sure visitors understand that changes in behavior and memory are caused by the disease and not by the person.
