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Elderly people
suffering from impaired memories may be uncomfortable in large
holiday family gatherings, but there are ways to help them cope
and increase their enjoyment, according to a gerontology expert
at the University of California at San Diego Medical Center.
Dr. Daniel
Sewell, director of the university's Senior Behavioral Health
Unit, offers the following suggestions to loved ones of those
with impaired memories:
- Plan ahead.
If the individual is vulnerable to over-stimulation, limit the
activities or length of time in which he or she is included.
For example, don't let dinner continue on for hours.
- Establish
a quiet room in the home, so that the family member can step
out of the hustle and bustle for a calm moment.
- Budget
in naptime, especially if the loved one is accustomed to daily
naps.
- Assign
a family member to be that day's companion to the elderly member,
to monitor how he or she is doing and to make sure the person
feels comfortable.
- If the
get-together is in the home of the person with memory impairment
or behavioral problems, don't rearrange the furniture. This
could be a source of confusion and anxiety.
- Don't put
out a lot of finger foods, like sweets, especially if the individual
has a problem with impulse control. This could lead to sugar-induced
hyperactivity or an upset stomach.
- Limit or
eliminate alcohol consumption, which can provoke bad behavior
or interfere with medications.
- Break down
complicated tasks and involve the individual in a simple, helpful
preparation task, such as greasing one of the cooking pans or
peeling potatoes. This aids self-esteem and helps him or her
feel a sense of contribution to the day's celebrations.
- Engage
everyone, including the memory-impaired, with reminiscing. Often,
individuals with memory problems can recall the past but forget
recent events or conversations. By getting them to talk about
the past, younger family members can be exposed to their roots
and the memory-impaired will feel validated for their perspective
on family history.
- Avoid criticism
that can embarrass or shame the older person. For example, when
they forget a recent conversation, refrain from saying "don't
you remember?"
"All
of these suggestions need to be individualized for each person
and their specific needs," Sewell said. "These folks
can get lost in the shuffle and chaos of happy family gatherings.
So, just be sensitive and loving. And plan ahead."
Other
sources: University of California at San Diego Medical Center
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