Navigating the Holidays with Family Members with Alzheimer's Disease

As 5.8 million Americans with Alzheimer's prepare for the holidays, here is some help from the Alzheimer's Association.

Over 5.8 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer's disease (1). With the holidays just around the corner, many families are wondering how to navigate them in the COVID-19 era. Some starts are reinforcing lockdown orders. With concerns about the national surge, many families will choose to stay home and stay safe.

How can you navigate the holidays with a family member with Alzheimer's during COVID-19? Well, here are some tips from the Alzheimer's Association.

1. Schedule a video chat with family members to prepare for the holidays. It is important to have a plan.

2. Set some time aside to research. Look on the CDC website for relevant resources and go to the Alzheimer's Association website as well.

3. Make an informed decision.

4. Prepare a detailed plan.

When preparing your plan, make sure to add some fun, creative, and entertaining events.

1. Plan your holiday meal virtually and invite your family caregiver to join.

2. Fill time with fun and entertaining holiday movies.

3. Play board games via Zoom or FaceTime.

To read more about navigating the holidays, check out this comprehensive guide.

(1)https://dshs.texas.gov/alzheimers/qanda.shtm#:~:text=An%20estimated%205.8%20million%20Americans,with%20Alzheimer's%20disease%20in%202020.&text=One%20in%20ten%20people%20(10,and%20older%20has%20Alzheimer's%20disease.&text=About%20one%2Dthird%20of%20people,32%20percent)%20have%20Alzheimer's%20disease.