genus perspective
Making holiday gatherings work around care needs
First-person perspectives on dementia and celebrations offer a useful reminder: a meaningful gathering starts with the people taking part. Ask what feels welcome, then make the plan fit.
What we found in the news
An October 26, 2023 article from Positive Approach to Care (opens in a new tab) brought together three people’s perspectives on gatherings while living with dementia or related cognitive changes. Their experiences differed. That difference is the point: one person’s enjoyable celebration is not a template for everyone.
The article ends with a clear principle:
“Whenever possible, it is best practice to ask the individual what they prefer and how they want you to support them.”
— Positive Approach to Care, October 26, 2023
These are personal perspectives and practical guidance, not findings from a clinical trial. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s holiday guidance (opens in a new tab), posted in November 2022, adds practical ideas about familiar routines, preparing guests and having a quiet place available.
Why this matters to us
At genus, we like the shift from planning an impressive occasion to planning an occasion people can enjoy. A family tradition carries meaning because of the people in it. Its shape can change while that connection remains.
For families and community programs, our takeaway is to invite preferences before sending invitations. A person should not have to manage everyone else’s expectations just to feel included.
Make a small gathering plan
Start with the person’s choices and the family’s existing care arrangements. Using the Foundation’s guidance as a starting point, agree on a suitable time, explain the plan to guests and identify somewhere quieter to spend time if wanted.
Then ask three planning questions of your own:
- Which part of this occasion matters most to us?
- Who will handle the practical arrangements so the caregiver can take part too?
- How will we let everyone know if the plan changes?
A cousin might handle invitations. A neighbor could bring an agreed dish. Another relative could manage travel details. These are examples to discuss, not extra obligations to assign without agreement.
Leave room for a different choice on the day. Attending briefly, joining remotely or declining should not require an apology.
The genus connection
Today, the genusConnect Care App (opens in a new tab) can bring enabled events, conversations and tasks into one place for invited members. Access and features depend on the organization’s setup.
A shared event can hold the agreed arrangements; a conversation can carry a change without relying on one person to repeat it. Our aim is to support the human planning that makes connection possible. Software cannot decide what feels comfortable for someone; that begins with listening.
One question to take away
What could you change about the gathering so the person receiving care and the caregiver can both enjoy being there?
Supporting references
- How To Better Support Those Living with Brain Change at Holiday Events and Social Gatherings? (opens reference preview; direct link opens in a new tab)
Positive Approach to Care · 2023-10-26
First-person accounts and guidance, with an emphasis on asking individuals about their preferences. These accounts are not clinical trial evidence.
- Making Thanksgiving Dementia-Friendly (opens reference preview; direct link opens in a new tab)
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America · 2022-11-16
Practical holiday guidance posted November 16, 2022; the release itself is dated November 15. Suggestions include routines, guest preparation and quiet space.
