Smith Village Support Group Focuses On Helping Dementia Patients Cope With Holidays

CHICAGO — The holiday season brings joy, but also challenges for caregivers of persons with dementia. With the annual whirl of holiday celebrations – Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s – but these holidays can present significant obstacles for people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia, including their caregivers.

This topic will be the focus of the next meeting of the Smith Village Caregiver Support Group, This 6:30pm on Tuesday, Nov. 18, at 2320 West 113th Place, Chicago. The session, led by Smith Village resident Alice Keane and life enrichment director Bridget Murphy, is part of the Empowered Caregivers Series designed by the Alzheimer’s Association. Both women have completed the association’s training program.

“The holidays can be quite difficult for those with dementia,” says Keane. “These are times for celebration, but we also have to focus on the challenges that these celebrations can bring. So we’ll discuss how the effects of crowds, additional noise and family activities—and the presence of alcohol—can be managed by caregivers.”

Being prepared is the best strategy. Changes in routine will be experienced in different ways unique to each person suffering from dementia. The Empowered Caregivers Series includes expert advice and videos in a more structured format than usual. However, there is still room for participants to share experiences and receive support from the group, which is a hallmark of these meetings.
To reserve a spot, call 773-474-7302. For more information, visit Smith Village.