The holidays are a time for celebration, joy, and being with loved ones. Unfortunately, it can also be a time that brings stress and anxiety. Between travel, shopping, and managing family dynamics, this season can feel overwhelming. For caregivers and individuals with dementia, these challenges are often magnified. Travel and social gatherings can pose unique difficulties, leaving many caregivers wondering: What will the holidays look like for my loved one and me this year? 

To help you answer this question, we sat down with Director of Social Work at the Penn Memory Center, Alison Lynn, to explore strategies and tips for tackling the holidays. 

First, Alison discusses the difficult but important task of adjusting your expectations for what is possible this year as a caregiver. Then, she lays out some tips for navigating holiday travel, whether by car or plane, with someone who has dementia. Finally, Alison gives advice for managing the actual holiday event, including how other family members can help and the importance of communication during this process. 

Resources 

Special thanks to Alison Lynn MSW, LCSW for being a part of this episode. 

The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp.