The holidays can be an emotional time for older adults, and this is especially true for a loved one living with Alzheimers or another form of dementia. The thought of planning a holiday celebration while caring for your loved one can feel overwhelming, but it doesnt have to be.  In this article, were going to cover some best practices on how to host a successful holiday gathering with a loved one with Alzheimers or another form of dementia. INVOLVE YOUR LOVED ONEOne of the easiest ways you can bring your loved one joy during the holidays is to include them in your holiday preparations. This can mean allowing them to take a more active role in simple holiday preparations or having them observe your own. Think about what sorts of things your loved one enjoyed most about previous holidays and involve them where appropriate.Encouraging your loved one to take part in preparations can help get them into the holiday spirit and also make them more comfortable with what is happening on the day of the celebration.PLAN A SMALLER CELEBRATIONA loved one who has dementia can quickly become overwhelmed by large groups of people, especially those friends and family members who they may only see a few times a year. Whether youre planning a holiday celebration at a memory care residence or at home, youll want to keep the guest list to a minimum. Youll also want to keep your holiday celebration quiet and relaxed.One way to ensure your loved one gets to see everyone who is important to them is to arrange for family members to drop in on different days. Schedule visits at times when you know your loved one is typically in a good mood. Consider virtual visits where appropriate, as well.CREATE THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERECreating the right atmosphere is a large part of any successful holiday party. When youre celebrating the holidays with a loved one who has dementia the atmosphere can still be festive. You just need to keep your loved ones comfort in mind while you do your planning.Here are some tips to help you set the right mood for a loved one with dementia.Celebrate in a familiar setting. A sudden change in environment may cause distress for a loved one who has dementia. Consider bringing the party to them.Prepare quiet distractions to have ready if your loved one becomes overwhelmed. Even something simple, like going for a walk, can help your loved one feel more comfortable.Avoid excessive noise, including loud conversations or loud music. Make sure there is a quiet space where your loved one can rest and recharge as needed.Avoid lighting that is too bright or too dark. Blinking or twinkling lights can also be disorienting for someone who has dementia. Non-blinking lights are best.Instead of elaborate decorations, choose a few meaningful items.Creating the right atmosphere will vary from person-to-person. Keep in mind what types of things typically cause stress or bring your loved one joy. Know this may change as time goes on.ADAPT HOLIDAY ACTIVITIESWhen planning holiday activities for a loved one with dementia, its better to focus on a smaller number of meaningful activities they will enjoy. Someone who loves cooking may find joy in helping prepare the holiday meal. Others may simply appreciate observing activities.Consider setting an agenda for activities ahead of time and sending it out to your guests. This will help everyone know what to expect and if they need to bring anything with them. Getting your guests all on the same page ensures a better holiday experience for everyone involved.TAKE TIME TO ENJOY THE EXPERIENCEHoliday celebrations, while fun, can be stressful for the person planning them. But the additional effort you put into accommodating the needs of someone you care about allows you to reflect on what is most important in life and filter out the noise and clutter.Know that things may not go as planned. Remain positive and stay flexible. When youre celebrating the holiday with your loved one, give yourself time to enjoy the experience.CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS AT FRIENDSHIP VILLAGEAt Friendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania, we work with our memory care residents and their families to help them celebrate the holidays in a way that is joyful for everyone.Whether you are looking for a private space to hold a small gathering of family and friends or simply want to have a holiday celebration in your loved ones suite, our team members will work with you to help identify the right holiday setup and accommodations for your loved one.This article was written by Friendship Village of South Hills.

We live longer, healthier lives than ever before, which has upended many stereotypes about what it means to be over 60. More seniors are engaged and active well into their 80s and beyond. With so many more years ahead of us, its no surprise that dating among the senior set has also increased. Whether you have already dipped a toe into the senior dating scene or are curious about getting started, here are some helpful tips to keep in mind on your journey. Be ConfidentSocial norms are always changing. Today, its perfectly acceptable for you to make the first move and ask someone on a date, regardless of your background or gender. Whether you are using a smartphone dating app or website- LinkOpens in New Tab or chatting up a neighbor, having confidence in yourself is key. Keep an Open MindDont be too quick to judge, keep an open mind, and be an attentive listener. Ask questions. Be present in each conversation. This will make your date more engaging and enjoyable. Remember that those you are dating, like you, will have lived full lives of love, loss, hard work, and joy. This can all seem overwhelming, but it doesnt have to be. It can be truly thrilling to discover more about another person with a rich, full life.   Be Upfront With Your ExpectationsWhat are you looking to get out of a new relationship? Are there certain things that are absolutely off the table? Maybe you are seeking long-term commitment over a more casual situation. While you dont want to rule out a potential partner right away, it can be helpful to have these conversations early on to avoid hurt feelings.Dont Dwell on the PastWhile it can be fun to reminisce about certain moments in time, try not to dwell too much on the past- LinkOpens in New Tab on your first couple of dates. This should be time spent getting to know each other and your likes and interests. While your past informs who you are today, its not all that there is to enjoy. Dont fail to mention your current hobbies and interests. Sharing them can be a lot of fun!Be Respectful and KindMost first dates can be pleasant if you approach someone with kindness and respect. Youll no doubt be nervous, but dont forget the power of a positive attitude and a cheerful smile. Pay attention to your date and how they react to the way a conversation is going. Dont take offense if they dont respond how you might expect them to. A little bit of kindness can go a long way, whether you are seeking friendship or romance.Explore New Connections at Friendship VillageFriendship Village of South Hills, a senior living community in Upper St. Clair, Pennsylvania (near Pittsburgh), is an exceptional place to pursue your passions and make new connections. Join a club, sign up for a group exercise class, or socialize over a nice meal or glass of wine. Here, every day is full of opportunity and the excitement of new adventure awaits around every corner.Contact us to learn more!