Dementia Capable Southern Arizo na
The holidays are in full swing! Here are 5 tips to remember to help keep this time joyful and manageable for you and your loved ones: • Focus on the real priorities this season. Gratitude and spending time together with loved ones. This might look like writing letters or emails of gratitude to family and friends. The holiday activities might be different this year, but the important thing is to try to appreciate the time you spend with family and friends, regardless of what you’re doing during that time. What matters most is their presence, not presents! • Let guests know what to expect in advance. Before you arrive at a get- together or have visitors over, check in with them to make sure they know any changes in behavior in your loved one with dementia. Give them tips on how to engage in positive communication, including be patient and allowing time for the person to process what is being said and respond. • Take part in meaningful, inclusive activities. Include adjusted and adapted activities and traditions such as watching holiday movies. Nostalgia and meaningful memories for the person living with dementia such as looking through photo albums. Involving the person living with dementia in holiday preparations such as planning the menu and decorating are great activities. • Keep your routines as much as possible. Routines are very important and helpful for those living with dementia. While it is good to include a variety of activities throughout the days and weeks, try not to deviate too much from your usual daily routines.
• Give back to yourself. It is the season of giving, but don’t forget to give yourself some TLC. When you take care of yourself, you ensure that you are helping to keep yourself healthy and enabling yourself to provide the best care possible for your loved one. Make self-care a priority. December is the Seasons of Giving. One of our most valuable gifts we can give is that of our time. • Consider taking a Dementia Friends Information Session and become an advocate to make your community dementia friendly! o Find scheduled trainings at: DCSA | Eventbrite (https://www.eventbrite. com/cc/dcsa-1070149) • Make it a point to get in touch and stay in touch with people you know who are living with dementia or their caregivers to reduce the sense of isolation. • Volunteer for programs that help those living with dementia and their caregivers, such as Memory Cafés, respite programs, and being a Dementia Friends Champion. • Participate in research studies through programs such as Alzheimer’s Association or the University of Arizona. o Clinical Trials for Alzheimer's & Dementia | Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/research_progress/clinical- trials) o Participate in a Research Study | Psychology (arizona.edu) (https:// psychology.arizona.edu/research/participate-research-study)
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Pima Council on Aging
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