are filling with festivities and family gatherings. The radio stations are playing the holiday classics 24/7. It is time to celebrate life and love! As we celebrate this holiday season, we must remember that not everyone is as fortunate as we are. The holidays can be tremendous, or tremendously hard. Some people may not have shelter or food; some can’t find work. Others may be grieving the loss of a loved one. |
We began a tradition in my family: together we donate to a charity organization that provides water, education, food, medicine and more to those in need world-over. This is our little way to celebrate with eyes wide open. As you enjoy your family, consider how you can make a difference. You might just change someone’s life. ~ Golden Horizons Office Team Holiday Open House! |
Mr. W's Newsletter Inspiration
I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all year long.”
~ Charlies Dickens ~
reveal what people really think of him and how they will rejoice at his death. He wakes a changed man, generous, compassionate, caring for the plight of others. We know this classic as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. It has been adapted countless times for stage and screen, and the message rings true today, 175 years since it’s first publication, as it did then. The holidays are a time to
celebrate, and they are a time to remember and give to those in need. Timeless lessons indeed.
Caregiver of the Month
Worker's Compensation Trust Announcement
Scrub! Scrub! Scrub!
From Agitation to Aleviation
becomes how to celebrate the holidays while minimizing agitation, and how to deal if it occurs. Here are some tips.
a) Adjust expectations. The stage of Alzheimer’s or dementia that a person has will determine largely how they participate in holidays. Traditions might have to be adjusted. If they are prone to agitation at a certain time of day ie. evening, perhaps open presents or have a gathering earlier in the day.
b) Set the tone, get their attention and state your message clearly, listen. The holidays are happy and festive. Speak calmly and pleasantly with the person. Get their attention by reducing distractions like turning off the radio or TV, closing blinds etc. Address them by name, identify yourself and your relation to them. Communicate clearly using simple words and sentences. Get on their level and maintain eye contact. Use nonverbal cues; a calm, reassuring vocal tone; and gentle touch to help convey your message. Ask simple questions, keeping answers often to yes or no.
c) Keep a familiar environment. Gentle holiday music, reduced distractions. Maintain as much of a familiar routine as possible. Keep family pictures and other keepsakes where they can see them. Reminisce with them. Ask questions about their lives that rely on long term memory. d) Be patient. If they get agitated, redirect and reassure them. When doing holiday activities, break them down into little steps. It’ll be easier to understand and they can participate more. If they get anxious or agitated, redirect to other subjects or activities ie. suggest going for a walk instead. Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia can be stressful. Take a deep breath. Be patient. You’ll do great and enjoy a lovely holiday. We will explore this topic more in coming blog posts. ~ Sources: www.nia.nih.gov, www.caregiver.org, www.alz.org