Educating Children about Alzheimer's Assists Them in Learning about Family Holiday Traditions

Reasons to Educate Children about Alzheimer’s Disease

#1 - So that children will be comfortable around and interacting with a person who has Alzheimer’s (See January’s Blog)
#2 - To teach children compassion (See February’s Blog)
#3 - Teach children how to create a safe supportive environment in which they can thrive by creating a schedule (See March’s Blog)
#4 - To prepare children to adapt to future changes that occur on life: Mild Alzheimer’s Disease (See April’s Blog)
#5 - To preserve memories: Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease  (See May’s Blog)
#6 - To promote inclusivity by teaching children the importance of treating everyone with respect, regardless of their cognitive abilities: Severe Alzheimer’s Disease (See June’s Blog)
#7 To reduce stigma - When children understand Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia they are more likely to approach someone who has this disease with understanding. (See July’s Blog)
#8 To expose children to career options in healthcare - Children are influenced in career choices by the adults in their lives. Exposure to Alzheimer's education may inspire children to pursue careers in healthcare or research, contributing to the ongoing efforts to find a cure or effective treatments. (See August’s Blog)
#9 To enhance communication skills: Learning about Alzheimer's disease enhances a child's communication skills because they may need to adapt their communication style when interacting with someone who has the disease. (See September’s Blog)
#10 Educating children about Alzheimer's gives them a sense of purpose. (See October’s Blog)
# 11 Educating Children about Alzheimer's assists them in learning the importance of gratitude.  (See November’s Blog)

#12  Educating Children about Alzheimer's assists them in learning about family holiday traditions

 Story: Alder’s Mom always made sure the holidays were special. Her family moved a lot and her Mom knew the importance of maintaining holiday traditions. When she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, one of the things that triggered positive holiday memories for her Mom was participating in the holiday preparations and celebration. She particularly loved when the children sang Christmas carols, and she sang along. It was obvious she loved being involved in the celebration. That raised everyone’s spirits! 

Information:
Family traditions are important because they connect us with our identity and to our roots, and create a sense of stability. Alzheimer’s disease affects short-term memory first. Long term memory is available throughout middle and sometimes late stage Alzheimer’s. One of the last things to be destroyed by Alzheimer’s is musical memory. Practicing the family traditions often triggers wonderful memories and interaction. The traditions can be religious, cultural or family specific.

Religious traditions include attending services at your church, having an advent wreath on your table, or singing religious songs.

Cultural traditions are shared in the way you decorate with lights, mistletoe, etc. Specific foods, music, or activities are traditions. Alder and her family loved to watch the Rockettes every holiday season. Brenda’s family attended a church service on Christmas Eve always followed by the family gift exchange. 

Family traditions can be quirky. Alder’s family moved a lot as a child and the kids were afraid Santa wouldn’t be able to find them. Her Mom would make a special change of address card for Santa Clause. When the kids visited him at the mall, they gave him the  change of address card. Her family cooked the same foods and watched their favorite holiday movies. These activities helped the kids feel safe. 

Activities: 

Familiar activities work best. The most important thing to remember is to ‘keep it simple.’ 

Tips: We have created a PDF with 10 holiday tips. In addition, watch our video with more holiday tips. It’s worth watching to see us in Santa hats. :-)

We suggest scaling back the decorations, gifts, parties and/or food preparation. Give the gift of simplicity to you, your loved one who has Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia, and the whole family. Strive to make the holiday season relaxing and restful, rather than cramming it with to-do lists.

Actions: 

1. Download the PDF and the video and use the suggested activities to reinforce staying in gratitude every day as much as possible. 
2. Sign up for our newsletter and receive four weekly emails with information, tips and activities on improving communication. 
3. Purchase the MMAAP to get even more information, tips, and activities to incorporate children into the care of your loved one who has Alzheimer’s or any type of dementia. 
4. Please scroll to the bottom of this blog and give us a thumbs up if you found it helpful. Leave a comment. Feel free to conveniently share it.