Thrive West Central Releases Guide to Making Holidays Dementia Friendly

With practical advice, connections cafes, and support groups, the organization aims to provide resources to the community while offering a message of hope and understanding.

Thrive West Central is working to make the holiday season a more inclusive and manageable time for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. With practical advice, connections cafes, and support groups, the organization aims to provide resources to the community while offering a message of hope and understanding.

The organization expressed admiration for caregivers, acknowledging their dedication and compassion in balancing the needs of their loved ones with their own. “Remember, the person living with dementia is not giving you a hard time. The person living with dementia is having a hard time,” they remind the community.

The organization encourages families to adapt holiday traditions to make the season less stressful for loved ones with dementia. Their recommendations include a list of dos and don’ts:

• DO: Set expectations. Talk with other family members and friends about how holiday plans may need to be adapted.
• DO: Give yourself permission to do only what you can reasonably and safely manage.
• DO: Adapt past traditions or create new ones. Build on old traditions when appropriate, such as enjoying favorite music, movies, or foods. If the person still wants to continue old traditions (such as sending out cards or baking), be available to offer assistance.
• DO: Acknowledge the sadness that the changes of dementia bring. Give yourself time and permission to grieve. Then, see if you can gently move on to new ways to celebrate.
• DON’T: Dwell on the past.
• DO: Focus on what the person can do and chooses to do now. Do what brings joy and let go of activities that seem too stressful.
• DON’T: Overdecorate or use dangerous decorations. Too many flickering lights or noisy items can be overwhelming. Changes to the environment may cause disorientation. Be aware of safety issues: fragile decorations can shatter, and decorations that look like food or candy can be mistaken for something edible.
• DO: Create a safe and calm space. Find areas where your loved one can sit comfortably during a holiday gathering and where guests can visit in small groups or one-on-one. Make an effort to maintain the person’s routine when scheduling visits or holiday gatherings. For example, if the person is at their best in the morning, a holiday breakfast might be a better option than an evening gathering.
• DO: Ask for help. If you need a break, it’s okay! Ask a friend or family member to come to the house for a short period of time so you can complete some of your own activities (or just take a nap!) without interruption.

Thrive West Central also organizes Connections Cafes, which are informal gatherings tailored to support individuals with dementia and their caregivers. December sessions include:

• December 10: Vigo County Public Library (10–11:30 AM)
• December 17: Clay County Senior Center (9:30–11 AM)
• December 17: Burnett Manor in Rockville (2–3 PM)
• December 19: Putnam County Senior Center (9:30–11 AM)

Activities at these cafes are personalized to participants, including puzzles, crafts, and music, offering a chance to socialize and engage in enjoyable moments.

Thrive West Central recognizes the challenges faced by caregivers and provides ongoing support. In-person support groups meet regularly in the area. Caregivers can also access assistance through programs like Dementia Friends and the Alzheimer’s Association hotline at 1-800-272-3900. Support groups meet on the following days and locations:

• First Monday of the month at 10 AM at White Pine Manor in Brazil.
• First Wednesday of the month at 2 PM at Vigo County Public Library in Terre Haute.