Happy holidays to the Henderson and Las Vegas community! Thank you for stopping by to read our 2020 Holiday Newsletter. We know it’s been a challenging and different type of year, so we wanted to spread some holiday cheer. Our Vineyard Tribe has been working behind the scenes as a virtual team, as well as taking part in local charities and organizations as much as we can. A big thank you goes out to our community partners (see the list below).

We’re also sharing resources and advice for caregivers as we head into this very unique holiday season.

Holiday Guide for Caregivers

Taking care of a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s is always a challenging job. However, going into the holiday season, where we might not be able to see or gather with our extended family, it might seem even harder. We understand the stress that comes with the holidays on the best of years, especially for an individual with dementia. So we’ve put together a holiday guide for caregivers to make the best of the holiday season.

Caregiving during a Pandemic

For a 2020 specific overview of caregiving during the holidays, refer to our Alzheimer’s Caregivers Guide. We discuss ways to involve your loved one in this year’s celebrations without overwhelming. You’ll also find tips on simplifying your festivities to be socially-distant but still special. 

Planning Activities 

Many of us might feel somewhat disappointed that we have to stay indoors, socially distance, and avoid holiday parties this year. Especially older adults and those more at risk, it’s even more important to keep safe and healthy. Planning activities for the holiday season can give you and your loved one something to look forward to. Check out our list of fun and safe holiday activities for seniors with dementia for a few ideas, including: 

  • Making handcrafted decorations 
  • Embarking on a socially distant walk or drive to get fresh air and see decorations
  • Baking cookies or other festive treats 
  • Having a classic movie marathon 

(Read the entire article for details on each activity). 

Maybe you or your loved one won’t feel like celebrating the holidays this year. The pandemic and lockdown restrictions have had mental health impacts on all of us. Additionally, those with dementia are already susceptible to mood swings or depression. Give yourself grace. If you want to skip Hanukah or Christmas traditions this year, that’s fine! 

You can still plan other activities for the holiday vacation or break. Our list of tips for homebound caregivers has plenty of options. 

Don’t Forget About Self-Care

Even though you care for another loved one, that doesn’t mean your health and happiness should be on the back-burner. Take time for yourself as the year winds down. While it might not be possible to ask for help with caregiving depending on your local restrictions, you can still find ways to focus on yourself. Perhaps when your loved one sleeps or rests, instead of chores, you relax or enjoy a favorite hobby. 

We have multiple resources for caregivers, written by our team of senior health and wellness professionals:

Thank you to our community partners!

As we focus on gratitude during the holiday season, we wanted to thank and highlight some of our wonderful community partners. These organizations help people throughout Nevada and will also assist our residents once we open our Memory Care Community. We are lucky to have their support and can’t wait to work together more closely!

We ask you to consider supporting their businesses or fundraising initiatives in 2021: 

Cognitive Care Solutions

Allison Lehrich, LCSW, is the president at Cognitive Care Solutions. She ensures their organization provides telehealth for seniors and caregivers. If you feel burnt out, anxious about the holidays, lonely during lockdown—or anything else—you can connect with a licensed therapist. 

The best part is that their service is covered by most Medicare and PPO Plans. 

For more information, please call 714-356-7383.  

FirstLight Home Care 

FirstLight Home Care aims to help seniors living at home.  They offer assistance with anything from delivering groceries to running errands to in-home nurse visits. 

We’re partnered with the Southern Nevada location to offer our future residents resources and transitional care plans as they move to Vineyard Henderson. 

If you’re a caregiver of a homebound loved one or a senior who needs help, reach out to them today! 

Michaelson & Associates

Michaelson & Associates is a law firm with expertise and experience in elder law and senior benefits. They can assist you with matters such as: 

  • Estate Planning 
  • Guardianship 
  • Probate 
  • Medicaid Planning 
  • VA Pension Planning 

Contact them via their website or call their office at 702-731-2333.

The Parent Team at Crosscountry Mortgage

The Parent Team can help those relocating to the Vegas area, downsizing, or helping their parents sell homes to transition to senior living!

Get in touch via their website, or Call Derek Parent or Coby Sherlock at 702-514-6030. 

Happy Holidays! 

Thanks for reading our 2020 Holiday Newsletter. While we might be working and connecting virtually—our Tribe at Vineyard Henderson is still here to assist you. If you have questions about memory care, senior health or dementia care—please give us a call.

We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!