Dementia, Caregivers, and Christmas

Although many families feel stress during Christmas, caregivers of loved ones with dementia often feel increased heartache and tension. Due to that added anxiety many feel, dementia-care specialist Tracey Maxfield called the show to offer much needed help. On Sunday's show (12/10/201),, Tracey provided a checklist of tips learned from her 35 years as dementia care nurse. When you're with a person with dementia, everyone keeps thinking,"Oh well, let's do this Christmas—let's do this one the best ever.' But I think what caregivers need to do is really take a step back and look at what the significance of the holiday is for them and for their loved one. Tracey shared that many caregivers tend to overdo it for Christmas because of fear it may be their last one with their loved ones.  Instead of accepting that undo pressure, Tracey recommended several ideas for a calmer, but more meaningful holiday season.