DEMENTIA AND CHRISTMAS VISITORS

The holidays are a time when family and friends spend time together. For the family living with dementia or alzheimers the holidays can seem challenging.
With early, or middle stage dementia sufferers the challenges can be met and the holidays enjoyed.
It is a good idea to explain to visitors in advance of their arrival that the loved one has dementia and explain the manifestations of the symptom. Explain about the memory loss that may include them, their names and even their faces. Point out that this is just the illness and the same person is still inside, but that they may repeat questions which of course is caused by memory loss.Apologize in advance for any rudeness and ask that they ignore this and that they just remember that this is the illness.
Family reunions are often emotional and fraught and sometimes end in tears. However, the shared challenge of the loved one may well bring out the best in everyone and the visit end with fond memories.


David Barnato.
Paarl. South Africa.
barnatod@blogspot.com