Don't let Alzheimer's rob you of holiday joy
Fox News
As a caregiver, seeing the holiday through the eyes of your loved one with Alzheimer's leaves you free from expectation and gives you both the chance to share in happiness.
Martin J. Schreiber grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1962, he was elected as the youngest-ever member of the Wisconsin State Senate. He was elected lieutenant governor in 1970 and, in 1977, became the 39th governor of Wisconsin. Martin recently retired from his public affairs firm in Milwaukee and now is an advocate for Alzheimer’s caregivers. After spending nearly 20 years caring for his wife Elaine, he is passionately committed to speaking out to help caregivers and their loved ones live their best lives possible. He shares his experiences in "My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer's Caregiver." Martin has four children, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
To a loved one with Alzheimer’s, a holiday is no different from any other day. So just like any other day, you must learn to enter their world. Be flexible. Remember that memory loss changes a person; they’re not being belligerent or antisocial on purpose. Know that traditions may have to be modified or replaced. Look for opportunity, rather than looking back.
Seeing the holiday through your loved one’s eyes leaves you free from expectation and gives you both the chance to share in happiness. Moments of joy between you and the one living with Alzheimer’s always sneak up at the most unexpected times. There is a lot of life to live and love to be shared, it just takes different forms over the years. Practice gratitude for the person your loved one is today, and try to appreciate those happy moments while you’re in them.