The holidays can be an especially difficult time for dementia caregivers. In this compassionate episode, expert Tammy Anastasia shares her top strategies to reduce caregiver stress, honor feelings of grief, and create new meaningful traditions.

I had the pleasure of meeting Tami at an Aging Life Care Association Conference, where Tami's expertise in dementia care stood out. Tami is not just a dementia consultant; she's also an educator and the author of "Essential Strategies for the Dementia Caregiver: Learning to Pace Yourself." Tami's primary focus is on supporting primary caregivers or care partners, those who shoulder the responsibility of caring for a loved one with dementia. Through her private practice, she offers a wide range of support services. 

Episode Highlights:

[00:37] - The mixed feelings caregivers face during the holidays. Let go of comparing to past holidays.

[02:48] - What's one tradition you could modify to make things easier?

[08:26] - Don't judge your own limitations. Give yourself permission to do less and say no.

[13:19] - Name tags can ease social awkwardness when your loved one can't remember people.

[21:35] - A caregiver calendar of festive activities for every day of December.

[23:40] - Schedule holiday activities during your loved one's best time of day.

[26:28] - Reach out to caregivers so they don't feel lonely and isolated.

[30:10] - Take a drive to see festive light displays.

[31:58] - Allow yourself to feel sadness and loss. Find ways to comfort difficult emotions.

[35:48] - Take 10 festive minutes every day just for you as a holiday gift to yourself.

[38:05] - You are a gift to the person you care for.

Connect with Tami Anastasia:

Website: https://tamianastasia.com/ 

If you enjoyed hearing Tami share her insights and advice about being a dementia caregiver, be sure to follow Dementia Discussions to catch future episodes. Consider giving the show a 5-star rating and leaving a review to help more families impacted by dementia discover the podcast. Until next time!

Do you have a caregiving story to share? Barbara would love to hear from you! Please leave her a message at 310-362-8232 or send her an email through DementiaDiscussions.net. If you found value in today's episode, please don't forget to rate, follow, share, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue producing this content.