TAKE IT EASY

No need to fuss over the holiday.  While you as caregiver for your loved one tries valiantly to make the holidays bright and full of good cheer, it may backfire.  I remember trekking to mom's assisted living and bringing her to my house for Christmas day with 20 other family members.  I tried to include her in the activities and dinner as best I could.  When I took her home afterwards, I asked her, "Did you enjoy yourself?"  She responded, "No.  Too much confusion."  I learned a lesson right then and there.  Our needs are not theirs.  From then on I spent time with her alone and had family members visit her at their leisure.  It's one of those 'keep it simple, stupid (K.I.S.S.) mantras. Happy Holidays. By the way, The Dementia Dance is a terrific book as a gift to a friend who is facing dementia.
 

10-6-18
Keep it simple when you spend time with your loved ones.  No need for expensive restaurants, elaborate clothes or pricey entertainment.  Unless, of course, YOU want to do those things and include your loved ones.  With my mom I figured that she would be happy with Bob Evans' fine chicken and noodles or a cobb salad--comfort food instead of a higher priced venue.  Also, simply taking a drive in the car and going to the drug store to look at birthday cards will sometimes do the trick.  Mom would spend hours looking at anniversary and birthday cards remembering who has a birthday when.  She didn't seem interested in buying any of the cards, just roaming up and down the aisles to check them out.  A cup of coffee with a sweet roll or piece of cake worked for mom, too.  Loved her hot coffee.  I made sure it was the temperature she liked.  I even made the cutting of her toenails an event.  After I pampered her with that job, we ate fresh donuts and piping hot coffee. She was a happy camper.