The holiday season brings warmth, togetherness, and cherished traditions—but for families affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia, it can also introduce stress, confusion, and emotional complexity. When a loved one’s cognitive changes make once-familiar rituals overwhelming or unrecognizable, it’s natural to feel grief or uncertainty about how to celebrate.
Geriatric care managers (GCMs) play a critical role in helping families adapt holiday traditions in ways that are meaningful, inclusive, and manageable. With the right strategies, it’s possible to create new rituals that bring comfort, foster connection, and celebrate the season with dignity and joy.
Here’s how GCMs guide families in navigating the holidays with Alzheimer’s or dementia—and how you can apply these supportive practices at home.
What GCMs Do:
Geriatric care managers gently help families reframe expectations. Instead of recreating past traditions exactly as they were, GCMs encourage embracing what’s possible now, honoring the person’s current abilities and needs.
Family Tip:
Let go of perfection. A quiet evening singing carols or looking at Christmas lights might be more meaningful than a large family gathering. Prioritize moments of connection over elaborate events.
What GCMs Do:
GCMs often create modified holiday plans that reduce overstimulation. They may help families break large gatherings into shorter, calmer visits or recommend a sensory-friendly environment that’s easier for a person with dementia to navigate.
Family Tip:
Limit decorations to a few familiar items to avoid confusion. Stick to a predictable routine and avoid crowding the calendar with too many events.
What GCMs Do:
GCMs are experts in dementia-friendly engagement. They help identify activities that tap into long-term memory, motor skills, or sensory comfort—like baking cookies, listening to holiday music, or creating a simple ornament together.
Family Tip:
Offer hands-on, low-pressure activities with clear instructions. Even folding napkins, stirring batter, or sorting holiday cards can offer a sense of purpose and inclusion.
What GCMs Do:
Care managers help families recognize the emotional impact of the holidays on individuals with dementia. They may train caregivers in techniques like redirection, validation, and calm reassurance to support emotional well-being.
Family Tip:
Your loved one may not remember the holiday—but they can feel the mood. Use soothing tones, touch, and eye contact to create a calm, loving atmosphere.
What GCMs Do:
GCMs often facilitate conversations with extended family or friends before holiday gatherings. They explain the person’s condition, suggest helpful communication tips, and set realistic expectations.
Family Tip:
Let visitors know ahead of time what to expect and how best to engage. Encourage one-on-one conversations and avoid quizzing the person on memories or names.
What GCMs Do:
GCMs recognize that holidays can be especially exhausting for caregivers. They provide emotional support, arrange respite care, and help families share responsibilities more evenly.
Family Tip:
Ask for help—and accept it. Whether it’s a sibling taking over meal prep or a friend visiting for an hour while you rest, shared caregiving lightens the emotional load.
Geriatric care managers bring clinical insight and emotional intelligence to the heart of holiday planning. For families navigating dementia, they offer:
By helping families shift from stress to serenity, GCMs empower you to make the holidays both manageable and meaningful.
Reimagine the Holidays with Expert Support
🎄 You don’t have to face this season alone. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to adapt Christmas traditions for a loved one with dementia, LiveWell’s compassionate care managers are here to help.
