In just a few weeks, we will celebrate Thanksgiving. The holidays can be hard for families, but this month, let's try to focus on all that we have to be grateful for and work toward a warm, welcoming holiday season.
"Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others." - Marcus Tullius Cicero
Join GoldenClub │ Visit Riverside
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Golden Guidance:
Making the Holidays Easier on Loved Ones with Dementia
By Dr. Laura A. Cunnington
Riverside Medical Director for Palliative Care and Hospice Services
The holiday season is fast approaching, which can be a difficult time for patients suffering from dementia, as well as their family and caregivers. Here are a few tips you can share that may make the holidays more enjoyable and less stressful:
1. Use moderation in decorating.
Hang cheerful decorations that bring memories of family traditions. Too much decoration can lead to over-stimulation. Make sure you do not rearrange furniture or change the environment too much.
2. Set realistic expectations for visitors.
Visitors can be stressful for dementia sufferers. Limit visits and celebrations to manageable proportions. This may decrease the stress on both your loved one and his or her caregivers.
3. Initiate appropriate activities.
Singing and dancing tend to be abilities that remain intact longer than some others. Gently stimulate memories through rituals and sharing of photographs and family heirlooms, but do not put your loved one on the spot. Asking him to remember details may lead to frustration.
4. Stick to familiar settings.
A change in environment can increase disorientation and pose safety concerns. Plan get-togethers in your own home, if possible.
5. Provide a quiet, private place where your loved one can escape the commotion.
This may help decrease the incidence of behavioral symptoms. Perhaps, limit the number of attendees at a holiday dinner or spread out several smaller gatherings on different days.
6. Adapt family gatherings.
Since crowds, noise and altering routines can aggravate confusion and other behavioral problems, revising your get-togethers may be in order.
Devise ways to include your loved one, depending on their capabilities. You might take them to a store to buy presents and offer extra guidance. Or y
ou might buy the gifts for them and wrap them together. In giving presents, pick ones appropriate for someone with dementia. Instead of something material, try
things that are simple, personal and sentimental. For example, photographs and heirlooms provide the opportunity to reminisce, a gift in itself.
These tips can help make the holidays fun and enjoyable for your loved one and your family. For more info visit alzfdn.org.
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Golden Getaways
Dec. 5-8 │ $817 per person (double) Book now! Limited time left to reserve.
- Shows include "Radio City Rockettes" and "Matilda"
2016 Day Trips
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DEC 17 - Must reserve by Nov. 19
"The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular" at the Hanover Tavern Theater, Hanover, Virginia │$83 │ The ladies of the Charitable Sisterhood are at it again...this time putting their good works behind the Christmas Spectacular.Think: the women of "Steel Magnolias" with some unexpected twists! │ Includes transportation and play
For more information or to reserve a spot on any GoldenClub trip,
please contact Jeannine's Tours of Virginia:
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Upcoming Programs & Events
THE DOCTOR IS IN
FREE lecture series offered by Riverside
December 14, 6:30 p.m. Dr. Mark Chisam and Dr. John Miller │ "Cancer Services and Therapies in Williamsburg" Riverside Doctors' Hospital, Williamsburg
November 4 │ RWFC, 12650 Jefferson Ave., Newport News
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FAMILIES:
Family
Access to
Memory
Impairment and
Loss
Information,
Engagement and
Supports
(A Program of Riverside ClearPath)
This New York University - Caregiver Intervention program is designed to reduce caregiver stress and increase family support. As a federally funded research program, there is no cost to participate.
To determine if you are eligible, call Riverside Senior Care Navigation at 757-856-7030.
Learn more...
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Riverside Senior Care Navigation
Our Care Navigators are Certified Senior Advisors who will help coordinate supportive services through Riverside and other community resources, which may include:
- Coordination of transportation services
- Meals
- Personal Emergency Response System
- Medication management
- Financial/legal services
- Support groups
- Housing
- Counseling
Eligibility Criteria
- 55 years of age or older (or their caregivers)
- Lives at home (not in a care facility)
- In stable health despite any chronic conditions
- Able to benefit from supportive services
For personal assistance or to make a referral, call Riverside Senior Care Navigation at 757-856-7030.
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