Caregivers and Those Living with Dementia Can Enjoy Holidays, Travel, and Visits

BRENTWOOD, Tenn., Nov. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Keeping loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or dementia involved and in touch with friends and family during the holidays is important.  Keeping everyone happy for the occasion without adding stress and tension can make the occasions successful. 

View the helpful hints and additional details at: http://www.multivu.com/players/English/64011-brookdale-senior-living-alzheimer-awareness/

The holidays are a wonderful time for family and friends, but they can be exhausting for anyone who is taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's Disease or other dementia.  "It's okay not to do everything yourself or everything you have always done in the past. Consider celebrating in a different way or changing your expectations a bit," advises Juliet Holt Klinger, vice president of dementia care at Brookdale.  "If others in your family offer to help, let them!  They might want to help but not know what to do, so be prepared to clue them in." 

Caregivers for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias can find ideas for keeping the happy in happy holidays by downloading 50+ Helpful Hints for Holiday Travel & Visits from Brookdale. Examples include: if dining out, make reservations and try to see the menu to make choices in advance; if bringing a gift, make sure it's not complicated to open; set your own limits, go with the flow and remember, some of the best times are not planned, but just happen.

There are times, especially during the hectic holiday season, that caregivers just need a break or to get some errands done. Respite care is a great solution and gives caregivers time to recharge and catch up. Select Brookdale communities in some locations across the country will welcome your loved one to join in the scheduled resident activities and enjoy a meal too. Specially trained caregivers provide excellent care for respite care participants and peace of mind. To find a location and additional information, or to schedule respite care, call 1-855-444-SOLVE (7658).

For more information about Brookdale, a leading owner and operator of senior living communities throughout the U.S., visit www.brookdale.com

Contact: Julie Davis,  615.564.8225, [email protected]

SOURCE Brookdale