How People With Dementia Can Best Enjoy the Holidays

Consider needs of both a loved one with dementia and the person that cares for them

Connecting with a loved one with dementia can take many forms, from simply holding hands, to doing arts or crafts. Pressmaster/Shutterstock

Family caregivers and people with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are at risk for increased stress during the holidays—but holiday visits can be a joyous time with adjusted expectations and careful planning.

Mary Catherine Lundquist is program director of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care’s Care2Caregivers, a peer counseling helpline (at 800-424-2494) for caregivers of people with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.