NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — There's only one week left until Christmas, but the holidays aren't joyous for everyone. People with dementia can feel overwhelmed by everything going on and confused by all the changes. According to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), millions of Americans care for a loved one with dementia. The AFA is offering six tips to help them celebrate the holidays in a dementia-friendly way. Keep decorations festive, but simple. Decorating is part of the holiday season, and people with dementia can still enjoy them. However, flickering lights, noisy items, or other major changes to their environment can overwhelm them and could potentially cause them to wander. The AFA recommends choosing a few items they like and phasing decorations in over a few days. That way, the person is less confused by the changes. Eliminate dangerous decorations and safety hazards. Other decorations to avoid are those that pose a safety risk. For example, avoid fragile decorations that can shatter. such as some ornaments. Things that look like food or candy should also be avoided, as the person might think they're real food. Tripping hazards on the floor, such as wires for decorations, are also something to be mindful of, as dementia can cause changes in vision, depth perception, and gait. Securely hook Christmas trees to the wall so they don't fall, and use menorahs or kinaras with electric candles to reduce fire hazards. Adapt past traditions. To make the holidays less confusing for your loved one, build on traditions from the past where appropriate. This can include watching their favorite movies, making their favorite meals, or sending out holiday cards if they still want to. Ask them what traditions are most important and incorporate them. Start new traditions that center on activities they enjoy. It's normal to feel sadness about changes and loss during a holiday, so acknowledge these feelings if they have them, and move on to new ways to celebrate. Take cues from your loved one. Incorporate what the person can do and what they choose to do now in the celebration, rather than focusing on what they used to do. Do things with your loved ones that they enjoy, and let go of activities that seem too stressful. Alzheimer’s Foundation launches new interactive helpline Prepare a quiet, calm space before a holiday gathering. Create a space for your loved one where they can be comfortable. This will help them if the celebration becomes overwhelming, and would allow small groups to visit them individually. Provide familiar comfort items in the space, such as their favorite blanket, sweater, or stuffed animal, to help them feel safe and at ease. Also, try to maintain the person’s normal routine when scheduling holiday gatherings, as changes in routine can be difficult for someone living with dementia. Accept help from others. It's normal for the caregiver to also feel overwhelmed while caring for loved ones around the holidays. Be willing to accept or ask for help with different parts of the holiday season, such as shopping for gifts or making food. This will give you more time to spend with your loved one, so that you can better prepare them for the holiday. Others might want to help you take care of them as well. Be specific about what you need, because relatives offering to help might not know exactly what to do. With these tips in mind, the AFA wants people to know that dementia doesn't prevent those who have it from feeling the joy and warmth of the holidays, and it's important to make them feel at home and welcome in their environment. “Dementia doesn’t prevent someone from feeling the warmth, love, and laughter of the holiday season, but it can change how they experience it,” said Jennifer Reeder, LCSW, AFA’s Director of Educational and Social Services. “Being proactive, adaptable, and inclusive of the person’s wishes and abilities are the best ways caregivers can help them have a happy and joyful holiday season.” If you would like more information about how you can create a more dementia-friendly holiday space for your loved one or have any other questions related to dementia, you can contact the AFA Helpline, which is available seven days a week. Connect with a licensed social worker by phone (866-232-8484), accessing web chat at www.alzfdn.org, or text message (646-586-5283). The web chat and text message features can serve individuals in more than 90 languages. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW