Page 32 - Fourways Gardens December20

Health & Wellness

CarinG

DurinG the

FeStive

SeaSon

Tips and holiday help ideas for
families of dementia patients

he end-of-year holidays are
sometimes called the ‘Silly Season’,
but they could just as easily be
T called the ‘Stressful Season’. As joyful
as it can be to bring the family together to
celebrate the Festive Season, or just relax in
each other’s company, this is also a time when
people report experiencing heightened
depression and anxiety – and carers of loved
ones with dementia are particularly at risk.

According to the World Health Organisation
(WHO), there are around 50 million people
living with dementia in the world today.
In most cases, caring for a loved one with
dementia is a heavy burden that millions bear
with love, gentleness, and dignity. But that
doesn’t mean it isn’t a considerable drain on
emotional, physical, and financial resources.
Alzheimer’s South Africa says, “More than
80% of Alzheimer’s caregivers report that
they frequently experience high levels of
stress, and nearly half say they suffer from
depression.”

HAVE A FAMIlY PlAN
At the end of any year – let alone one as
fraught as 2020 has been – finding time to
decompress is important. For carers, it is
essential, but infinitely harder to achieve
when caring for a family member, especially
if they have dementia or Alzheimer’s and are
so reliant on their carer’s time and attention. still hanging over our heads, large family Gardening and doing some basic arts and
However, some of these pressures can be gatherings or holidays may be off the cards, crafts are stimulating activities for people
mitigated through preparation and sharing but together you can brainstorm options to living with dementia, however if the family
the load. give the primary carer time off. Even a few member helping out is not comfortable with
hours a week can be a welcome relief. Older these activities, they can merely offer to be
The first step in planning for the holiday children and relatives can volunteer time present at rest times. Just knowing that there
season must be to bring the family together to be present for their loved one living with is backup can reduce the mental load on
– perhaps with a family Zoom or Whatsapp dementia – it will be a lovely treat for the carers significantly, ensuring that the primary
group call. With the threat of COVID-19 patient too. carer isn’t always ‘on call’.

Fourways Gardens • 30 • December 2020