Tips for Alzheimer's caregivers

The holidays are hectic for everyone but can pose special challenges for those with Alzheimer's disease or other memory impairments and for their families. With preparation, this time of year can be a joy.

The start of the holiday season in November coincides with the annual observance of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.

Rachelle Dardeau, administrator of Silverado Senior LivingCalabasas, offers these tips to make the holiday pleasant for people with Alzheimer's disease and other memory-impairing conditions.

•People with memory impairments do best when their daily routines are consistent. The holidays can interrupt them, so it's important to maintain the routine amid everything that's going on.

•If a loved one resides in a memory care community, plans may include bringing him or her to the family home for the holidays. Talk with the community's staff ahead of time to prepare for the visit. They will be able to suggest what's best in terms of meals, whether a nap might be needed and how the relative reacts in large groups.

•Assign one or two family members or friends to accompany the loved one throughout the event. They can watch for whether the person is getting tired and go sit together for a while in a quiet, comfortable place. Have a place ready that's away from the noise and activity.

It's easy for people with memory impairments to become fatigued, which can lead to emotional and behavior changes, so make sure they can rest.

•If extended family is gathering for the celebration, it's natural to want to introduce everyone to the relative. It can be hard for people with memory impairment to deal with many new faces or with a number of people they don't remember. Avoid trying to remind them of who these people are because it can be confusing.

•What means the most is for someone to sit with them, hold their hand and say 'I love you.' Whether they remember who that person is won't matter to them. What matters is feeling loved and being special.