celebrating and caregiving during the holidays

Caregiving during the holidays: Celebrating amid COVID-19 and dementia

The holidays are usually a time for families to get together, and exchange stories, gifts, and laughter. However, with COVID-19 still in our midst, many of us will have to forego tradition and celebrate the holidays differently. For those living with dementia in their families, caregiving during the holidays can be especially concerning and challenging.

There are worries that the isolation brought about by the pandemic can worsen symptoms of the disease. Families who decide to continue long-held traditions may also be bogged down by the need to uphold safety protocols. This is especially true for the many people living  with dementia who are at high-risk for serious COVID-19 complications.

When caregiving during the holidays, maintaining your loved one’s happiness and quality of life should also be ensured while protecting their health and safety. Consider these ways to celebrate the holidays while minimizing the risk of COVID-19.

Have a virtual celebration

Having a virtual celebration is the safest way to spend time with loved ones during the holidays.

Holding an online party is still the safest way to spend the holidays during this time. Host the party on a video conferencing platform like Zoom, Google Meet, Facebook Messenger, or Discord, and assign a time for everyone to join in.

Consider scheduling the party at lunch time, instead of dinner. Sundowning or evening confusion could affect the person living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

What’s a party without sharing a good meal together? If your family lives within the same area, one household can be in charge of preparing meals and delivering them to everyone else before the event.

You can also agree on a menu as a family, have each household prepare their own versions at home, and enjoy them together during your virtual party. Your family members can also do the meal preparations over a video call.

Looking for activities to do together during the party? It all depends on what you usually enjoy doing as a family. Apps like Netflix Party allow you to watch your family’s favorite holiday movies while staying in separate homes. You can also do an online karaoke or jam session featuring Christmas songs.

Exchange presents from a distance

Make your loved one feel special by having family members leave gifts and care packages.

While opening gifts by the tree might not be the safest option now, there are other ways to share holiday cheer with your loved one with dementia.

Family members from outside the household can drop off presents or food by the front door, and exchange greetings from afar. If they’re feeling creative, they can also bring banners, decorate their car, or come in costume.

You can also have all family members opt to send handmade greeting cards to your loved one’s home. Another way to do this is to have everyone record video greetings and have your loved one watch them in the safety of their home.

Celebrate in-person while observing strict safety protocols

An outdoor celebration can be a safe option, if you are planning to hold an in-person gathering with your loved one

While families can still opt to have an in-person celebration, it is strongly recommended to follow all safety protocols. Prioritize the health and safety of all attendees, especially elderly loved ones who are more vulnerable to the disease.

Here are recommendations from the Alzheimer’s Association on celebrating the holidays in person:

  • If possible, ask all attendees to limit contact with others 14 days prior to the event
  • Those who may have been exposed to COVID-19 within a two-week time period should not attend or host an event
  • Hold the gathering outdoors to minimize the risk of airborne transmission
  • Because attendees will have to take off their masks while dining, make sure that everyone is seated at least six feet apart
  • Opt for plated meals instead of buffet-style spreads
  • Limit the time at-risk people spend at the event

Have a simple celebration at home

There are ways to have a simple but meaningful celebration while you and your loved one are isolating at home.

Celebrating the holidays isn’t a one-time affair; the season itself brings the promise of joy and togetherness. Being unable to spend the holidays the way they usually do may lead to your loved one feeling a sense of loss and sadness.

Involving your loved one in carrying out traditions will help to maintain their daily happiness. Caregiving during the holidays may be tricky, but one good rule of thumb is to keep them active and occupied.

When selecting holiday activities for people with dementia, you can start with simple tasks. Let them join you in preparing food for celebrations, wrapping gifts, or decorating the house. You can also bake holiday cookies together and enjoy them over warm drinks.

Consider other dementia-friendly activities as well. Knitting, especially in the middle of winter, is a good pastime, and has been found to be beneficial to people living with dementia. Have your loved one work on simple patterns, like scarves or blankets.

If your loved one is able, you can also take them for regular walks outside to look at your neighbors’ holiday decorations.

In conclusion

Whichever way you choose to celebrate the holidays, make sure that you, as a caregiver, decide based on what you can manage with your own time, resources, and energy. Caregiving during the holidays should focus both on keeping your loved one healthy and happy AND taking care of your own needs… everyone should have a happy and healthy holiday season!