Alzheimer's: Tips to make holidays more enjoyable

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Keep it simple at home Be practical away from home Manage expectations Trust your instincts Content Creating a safe and calm space Adapting holiday activities Celebrating at a care facility Preparing holiday visitors Taking care of yourself Trusting your instincts

To help visitors prepare for holiday time with a person with dementia:

Provide an update. Let guests know ahead of time about any changes in behavior or memory since their last visit. Providing a recent photo can help people prepare for changes in appearance.
Offer communication tips. Suggest ways for guests to listen patiently, such as not criticizing repeated comments, not correcting errors and not interrupting.
Suggest activities. Tell guests ahead of time what activities you have planned or suggest something they might bring, such as a photo album.