If you are caregiver of a friend or loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, you may already know how challenging holidays can be. Here are some tips to help you plan a stress free day this Easter:
•Don’t hesitate to create new traditions, for example, just because you historically cook a big meal doesn’t mean you can’t opt to simplify the Easter meal and go out to eat or have the meal catered. If your loved one isn’t comfortable with being in public, consider having a small quaint family dinner or potluck this year.
•Learn to ask for help, particularly if you are the type of person who likes to do everything yourself and you tend to take on too much.
•Be sure to allow some time for self-care to take a walk, workout, socialize or just enjoy some down time to relax during the holiday weekend to help cope with the stress that many times comes with a family holiday get together.
•Refrain from overindulging in sweets, alcohol and foods high in fat, cholesterol and carbohydrates. Eating healthy and drinking in moderation will enable caregivers to reserve much needed energy for the many tasks of caregiving.
•Adhere to your regular exercise routine as closely as possible. Working out can help caregivers maintain a high level of energy, a positive attitude and the physical strength needed to maintain the daily caregiving schedule.
•Try to keep your loved one as involved as possible in holiday traditions.
•Keep the daily schedule as structured as possible-maintain medication administration, bedtime and other routine treatments according to the usual daily schedule.
•Be cautious about over stimulating your loved one with AD.
Perhaps most importantly, remember that there is no right and wrong and no perfect family or holiday. Do your best and let go of perfectionism.
For more Alzheimer’s disease information, CLICK HERE to Learn more about Alzheimer’s disease (AD) caregiver’s topics by joining our 25 lesson course at AlzU.org.
