CLEVELAND — For many, the holidays are all about traditions, from family dinners to wrapping gifts. But for those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, customs may be hard to keep.
But one caregiver and has found that tweaking traditions doesn’t make the holidays any less joyful.
Ann Domeck has her home decked out for holidays, but she’s had to make some adjustments over the last few years. Her husband, John Domeck, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease when he was 57.
Ann joked that she can no longer ask him to run upstairs to when she’s run out of tape while wrapping gifts. She said by the time he gets upstairs, he’ll have forgotten.
John is still in the early stages of the disease.
“Even the early stages is challenging because there is no short-term memory,” Ann said.
The holidays can pose a stressful time for those with the disease and for their caregivers.
"The person with the disease can be easily confused. If they're still verbal. They might say, 'I don't know you. Who is this?' People need to know not to be offended by that," said Melissa Shelton, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association of Northeast Ohio.
"If you don’t have to entertain or travel, try to keep things as normal as possible. Try to explain a little bit in advance if you're traveling — 'Mom, today we’re going to see aunt Mary,'" Shelton said.
The Domeck’s have chosen not to travel this season. Instead, their daughter will be coming to see them. Ann said the tasks of traveling including keeping track of flight times, handling passports and luggage now all fall on her.
"With the holidays and Alzheimer’s, you have to pick and choose. You have to prioritize," Ann said. She said that allows them to focus on the things they really want to do.
The couple used to attend the holiday orchestra performance in downtown Cleveland but they won't be attending this year. Ann said the noise and chaos of driving into the city can make John feel uneasy.
"I’d rather make it more comfortable for him and taking the stress off of me," she said.
Domeck said that despite having to miss the occasional party, the holidays can still be joyous.
“Traditions? They can change but the feelings behind the traditions are still here,” Ann said.
For those who do plan to travel with someone with Alzheimer's disease this holiday season, the Alzheimer's Association offers the following tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip:
Evaluate options for the best mode of travel. Based on needs, abilities, safety and preferences, decide what would provide the most comfort and the least anxiety.
Having too many activities on the schedule can be stressful and confusing for those with dementia. Determine what times of the day are the most comfortable for the person living with Alzheimer’s and schedule travel and activities when they are at their best.
Medications, a comfortable change of clothes, water, snacks, activities, up-to-date medical information and a list of emergency contacts should be easily accessible during travel – which may mean stowing them in your carry-on.
Whether you’re staying with family, friends or in a hotel, let everyone know that you are traveling with a person who has dementia. Provide details of any special needs and behaviors that may be out of the ordinary, such as acting out, confusion, memory loss or the tendency to wander.
Changes in daily schedules and routines can cause anxiety and agitation. New environments may cause wandering and increased confusion. Be sure to stay aware of any signs of stress or anxiousness.