Families wait all year to come together during the holidays. Homes fill with familiar foods, nostalgic decor, and long-awaited reunions. Yet for caregivers supporting aging loved ones or family members living with dementia, this season is often complex. Cold weather, going off-schedule, and managing the emotional expectations of many family members at once can make the day-to-day of caregiving more demanding.
Guest article by Yelena Sokolsky, RN
Having supported countless families through holiday caregiving challenges, I’ve noticed a consistent pattern: what matters most isn’t a perfect celebration; rather, it’s committing to attentive, realistic planning. When caregivers make simple, purposeful changes, seniors experience far better emotional stability and health outcomes. Here are my recommended strategies for adjusting routines, managing sensory overload, and modifying traditions to benefit all, across generations, time zones, and geographies.
Winter Challenges for Older Adults and Caregivers
Colder months tend to disrupt established routines. Shorter days can increase confusion or agitation for people living with dementia. Older adults with mobility challenges may move less when it feels harder or more uncomfortable to go outside. And indoor heating, while necessary, can also be the culprit of worsening dehydration, dry skin, and respiratory issues.
For caregivers, this means staying a little more vigilant. Make sure indoor temperatures stay safe and consistent. Encourage hydration even when seniors say they’re “not thirsty.” Anticipate confusion around early sunsets and shadows.
The key is to implement subtle adjustments that prevent issues before they escalate.
Supporting Emotional Well-Being During the Holidays: Easier Said Than Done
The emotional side of caregiving is often the hardest during the holidays. Seniors may feel nostalgic for traditions they can no longer participate in as they used to. People with dementia may feel overwhelmed or unsure why a house is suddenly full of visitors and decorations.
Creating emotional safety doesn’t require elaborate planning. Sometimes the most meaningful support comes from simplifying: hosting smaller gatherings, keeping the environment calm, and reducing excess noise or decorations that can overwhelm. You can still enjoy seasonal traditions; simply anchor them to familiar routines and avoid abrupt changes that may cause distress.
Above all, meet your loved one where they are, not where they used to be. Connection is still possible when traditions evolve. A holiday dinner might become a cozy lunch. A big family gathering might be split into smaller visits. Loved ones can meet virtually or send short video greetings if travel or hosting visitors would be too overwhelming. Abilities may change. Love, connection, and meaning do not have to.
Setting Boundaries with Visitors and Preparing Family Ahead of Time
Family often wants to help, but may not understand the day-to-day realities of aging or dementia. Well-meaning relatives may speak too quickly, ask confusing questions, or create more stimulation than your loved one can process. A brief conversation before the gathering can make the entire experience calmer and more enjoyable.
Let visitors know what behaviors or topics might trigger confusion, how best to communicate, and how long your loved one can comfortably socialize before needing a break. You can also explain what signs of fatigue or overstimulation look like, so family members know when it’s time to step back or adjust the environment.
Asking for Help Enables Independence
If you notice increased agitation, physical decline, caregiver burnout, or difficulty managing health needs alone, consider temporary or ongoing home care. Professional support doesn’t take away independence; it often restores it. With an extra set of trained hands, seniors can move more safely, maintain routines, and stay engaged in daily activities with greater confidence.
The holiday season is a common time for families to reassess care support as a New Year approaches. When caregivers aren’t stretched to their limits, they gain back the energy and emotional space to be present as family, not just as providers. Accepting help allows both the caregiver and the person receiving care to maintain more autonomy, stability, and dignity. The goal is to strengthen the entire support system, not strain it.
A Gentle Closing Thought
Caring for an aging or cognitively impaired loved one is an act of deep love, especially during emotionally-charged and high-stress seasons. By creating warmth, reducing pressure, and honoring current abilities, you can give your loved one the greatest gift of all: safety, dignity, and connection.
May your holiday season be filled with compassion, warmth, and moments of quiet joy.
Yelena Sokolsky is a Registered Nurse and healthcare executive with nearly two decades of experience in home care and patient services. She is the CEO and Founder of Galaxy Home Care, an NYC-based home care agency. Prior to founding Galaxy Home Care in 2021, Yelena served as Director of Patient Services and VP of Operations for major Medicare-certified home health care agencies. She holds degrees in Nursing and Psychology.
