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The Long and Winding Road…

~ An Alzheimer's Journey and Beyond

The Long and Winding Road…

Tag Archives: alzheimers holiday tips

Alzheimer’s, Thanksgiving, and Expectations

21 Wednesday Nov 2018

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Caregivers, Expectations, Holidays, Mom, Ruminations, Tips

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alzheimers, alzheimers holiday tips, caregiving, caregiving at the holidays, dementia, holiday stress, holidays with alzheimers, thanksgiving, thanksgiving with alzheimers

There’s one Thanksgiving that is forever etched in my mind for all the wrong reasons. Although it occurred eight years ago, in many ways, it feels like yesterday. When I think of the November holiday that I once looked so forward to, the first image that comes to mind is from 2010.

As I thought about writing this post and what tips I might offer to help you make the most of your holiday, I found myself overwhelmed. It took several days of contemplation for me to come to the realization that it really all boils down to one simple – yet extremely difficult – concept.

Expectations.

Weeks before that fateful Thanksgiving in 2010, I had unwittingly crafted an idyllic vision of how it would go. This wasn’t deliberate, but my subconscious went to work on how the day would unfold, what the preparation would look like, how the meal would come together, and most importantly, how my mom would be that day – her mood, frame of mind, level of agitation, ability and desire to participate, and all the other things that go along with Alzheimer’s.

Of course, at some point, my subconscious went off the rails – thus the dreaded idyllic vision. I’m sure memories of beautiful holidays complete with cherished traditions, found their way into the mix. Without even realizing it, I had set myself up for disappointment, profound sadness, anger, grief, and a dozen other emotions. Naturally, there was no way this Thanksgiving could be compared to or measured against those blissful memories.

In this particular case, our reality bore no resemblance to idyllic. Mom was having a bad day.  A very bad day.

That evening, I, along with Mom’s two caregivers and my daughter sat down to Thanksgiving dinner. By then, the food was cold, and my stomach was in a million knots. My dear mother was pacing and screaming as she had been all day. She was utterly inconsolable. Severe aphasia had long ago robbed her of the ability to communicate verbally, leaving her unable to express what was bothering her – or anything else, for that matter.

To Mom, that Thursday was just another day. It wasn’t her fault; it wasn’t anyone’s fault. It was this damn disease, all part of the unexpected hand we’d been dealt. Simply put, the picture-perfect holiday I had envisioned dissolved into a pool of tears and when it was over, I swore off all future Thanksgivings.

I could close by listing my top 10 tips for a successful holiday celebration, but instead, I’ll gently remind you to be careful of your expectations. Keep them reasonable. Check yourself along the way and make sure your subconscious isn’t taking over and creating an expectation that the day can’t possibly meet.

Rather than working to create a holiday just like those of years gone by, focus on the current reality. Remember that too many people, a lot of noise and commotion, and sudden changes to routines can really throw your loved one for a loop. Plan accordingly. Spending quality time together and making cherished memories – when it’s all said and done, those things are much more important than setting an impeccable table or serving a perfectly plump juicy bird at 4pm sharp. Flexibility is your friend and goes hand in hand with maintaining reasonable expectations.

It sounds cliché, but the past is in the past, and today is all we have. Try to go with the flow, relax, and create moments of joy wherever you can. Treasure the simple things – an unexpected smile, warm hug, or the expression on his face when he tastes a favorite dish that just might trigger a moment of clarity.

Here’s wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving with the people who mean the most to you. And, don’t forget to be gentle with yourself…

 

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Keep the “HAPPY” in YOUR Holidays!

20 Sunday Dec 2015

Posted by Ann Napoletan in Advocacy and Awareness, Blogging, Caregivers, Helpful Resources, Holidays, Inspiration, Tips, USAgainstAlzheimer's

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alzheimers, alzheimers caregiver tips, alzheimers caregiving, alzheimers holiday tips, dementia, usagainstalzheimers

lightssantaalz.smOf the work I’ve done in the area of advocacy and caregiver support, my involvement with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is one of the things I’m most proud of.

This organization has an incredible staff of passionate individuals who are in this fight to win it, and they’re led by George & Trish Vradenburg – a couple that does more for this movement than any other two people I know. As the founders of USA2, the Vradenburgs cover all operating expenses so that 100% of every dollar donated goes straight to the task at hand – fighting this monster called Alzheimer’s!

I’m honored to be a contributor to Trish’s blog, Before I Forget, and hope you or someone you know who has a loved one living with Alzheimer’s will find my holiday tips helpful. No matter what’s happening in our lives, we all deserve happiness, and I want you to know that this disease does NOT have the power to take away special moments of sheer joy.

Please hop over and read the holiday post and share the link with anyone who may benefit!   –> http://www.usagainstalzheimers.org/blog/keeping-happy-holidays

With love and wishes for a blessed holiday,
Ann

 

 

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Between 2009 and 2015, Marilyn’s Mighty Memory Makers have raised over $22,000 in the fight to #ENDALZ! To all who have supported us, THANK YOU!!

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