Navigating Alzheimer’s and COVID-19 this Holiday Season

While holidays can be a joyous time for many families, they can be challenging for families affected by Alzheimer’s. The current COVID-19 crisis is adding even more complexities that can feel overwhelming for many families impacted by Alzheimer’s. While Alzheimer’s and dementia does not increase the risk of COVID-19, dementia-related behaviors, increased age and common health conditions that often accompany dementia, may increase risk.

The Alzheimer’s Association is offering tips to help families navigate these challenges and provide a meaningful and enjoyable holiday season.

Tips for virtual holiday celebrations:

• Use video call software like Zoom or Skype to gather virtually. Since it can be difficult to have conversations with larger groups over video, adding some structure to the call can help. Play a trivia game, sing carols, share pictures from past gatherings, or bake a special recipe together. Cross talk or simultaneous conversations can be challenging for people living with dementia, so consider this when planning.
• If your loved one struggles with technology, ask a primary caregiver — or staff in an assisted living facility — if they can help facilitate a video call. If that’s not possible, try recording and sending a “video holiday card” that includes a personalized message. Or connect with a simple phone call to create a feeling of togetherness.

Tips for celebrating while physical distancing:

• Drop off your loved one’s favorite baked goods or a care package in a way that avoids close contact, such as leaving the special delivery at the person’s front door.
• Schedule your own “holiday parade” and ask family members and friends to drive by the older adult’s home with homemade signs or other festive decorations.
• Indoor gatherings generally pose more risk than outdoor gatherings. Plan an outdoor visit with hot chocolate and blankets or go outside for a walk in the neighborhood to enjoy holiday lights and decorations.

Tips for in-person holiday celebrations:

• First and foremost, do not attend or host a gathering if you have been (or think you have been) exposed to COVID-19. Similarly, ask attendees to avoid or strictly limit contact with others for 14 days prior to your gathering. Keep in mind that travel increases the likelihood of spreading or contracting COVID-19, so consider this when inviting guests who live far away or in areas with high rates of transmission.

• If possible, opt for large, open settings and get creative with seating options that help guests practice physical distancing. Encourage attendees to follow safety protocols during the celebration, including hand washing, and the use of hand sanitizer and masks. Avoid hugging, handshakes or close contact of any kind.
• Encourage guests to bring food and drinks for themselves and members of their household only. If food will be served to all attendees, avoid buffet and family-style meals in which many people handle serving dishes and utensils. Instead, designate one person to plate dinner.
• Focus on what is enjoyable for the person living with Alzheimer’s. Take time to experiment with new holiday traditions that might be less stressful or a better fit for your loved one. If they get overwhelmed in large groups, a small quiet gathering may be preferable. If evening confusion and agitation are a problem, turn your holiday dinner into a holiday lunch or brunch.

For more tips, register for our “Helpful Holiday Hints for Caregivers” virtual program on December 17, at 2 p.m. Visit www.alz.org/northeasternny

Marisa Korytko is the Public Relations Director for the Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York chapter. She can be reached at mkorytko@alz.org.