Health Tip: Caring for a Loved One During the Holidays

Suggestions to help you and a person with Alzheimer's cope with extra stress

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(HealthDay News) -- Holidays are a time of happiness but they can also be quite stressful, especially for caregivers and their charges with Alzheimer's disease.

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The National Institute on Aging offers these suggestions for caregivers:

• Keep up with family traditions, and, as much as possible, include your loved one with Alzheimer's disease.
• Understand and accept the changes that the disease brings, and be realistic in your expectations.
• Encourage visits from family and friends, but arrange them appropriately. Don't schedule too many at a time, and plan them when the person with Alzheimer's is likely to be at his or her best.
• Keep your loved one comfortable and happy by keeping the routine the same, and avoiding crowds and confusing situations.
• Ask for help so that you have time to relax and enjoy the holidays.

-- Diana Kohnle