Dementia & the Holidays

Finding Calm When Holidays Feel Overwhelming In Dementia Care

Finding Calm When Holidays Feel Overwhelming In Dementia Care

Carlyn Lenfestey Dementia & the Holidays
The middle of December can feel heavy when you are caring for someone living with dementia. This week is about keeping things simple and choosing calm over pressure. Small adjustments, familiar routines, and gentle expectations can bring more steadiness to both you and the person you care for.
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Memories That Matter: Creating Meaningful Moments in Dementia Care

Memories That Matter: Creating Meaningful Moments in Dementia Care

Carlyn Lenfestey Dementia & the Holidays
Learn how to preserve holiday meaning while caring for someone with dementia using simple sensory traditions, gentle music, and low pressure rituals. The holidays can feel heavy when you are caring for someone living with dementia. Traditions you once loved may no longer fit, yet the memories behind them still matter. In this post, we explore how to create meaningful holiday moments without pressure, overwhelm, or unrealistic expectations. You will learn how taste, music, scent, and touch can spark connection, why simple sensory rituals work better than busy plans, and how to modify your favorite traditions so they feel calm and supportive. Whether it is a quiet song, a warm cinnamon scent, or one small Christmas Eve ritual, these gentle shifts help keep the heart of the season alive for both you and the person you care for.
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Valentine’s Day Activities for Dementia Caregivers and Their Loved Ones

Valentine’s Day Activities for Dementia Caregivers and Their Loved Ones

Carlyn Lenfestey Dementia & the Holidays
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love in all its forms, and as a caregiver, you can create special moments tailored to the needs of the person you care for. Whether through music, crafts, shared treats, or reminiscing over old photos, small gestures can make a big impact. Explore these simple, dementia-friendly activities to bring comfort, connection, and joy to your day.
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Balancing Love and Caregiving: Nurturing Relationships While Providing Care

Balancing Love and Caregiving: Nurturing Relationships While Providing Care

Carlyn Lenfestey Dementia & the Holidays
Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, but for caregivers, it can be challenging to balance responsibilities while finding meaningful ways to connect. Whether you’re caring for a partner, parent, child, or friend, this guide offers thoughtful and adaptable ideas to honor the day while managing your caregiving role.
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How to Engage Family and Friends in Dementia Care: A Holiday Guide

How to Engage Family and Friends in Dementia Care: A Holiday Guide

Carlyn Lenfestey Daily Routines & Activities, Dementia & the Holidays
The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to involve family and friends in dementia care. From sharing responsibilities to creating meaningful connections, this guide provides practical tips to educate, engage, and empower loved ones while celebrating the holidays together. Learn how to foster joy, reduce stress, and create lasting memories with your caregiving team.
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Creating Holiday Traditions That Work for Someone Living with Dementia

Creating Holiday Traditions That Work for Someone Living with Dementia

Carlyn Lenfestey Daily Routines & Activities, Dementia & the Holidays
The holiday season is often filled with traditions and celebrations, but for caregivers supporting someone living with dementia, it can feel challenging to maintain the festive spirit. By simplifying and adapting traditions, you can create a holiday experience that brings joy, comfort, and meaningful connection. From familiar activities like baking and decorating to sensory-friendly adjustments, this guide offers practical tips to ensure the season remains a cherished time for both you and the person you care for.
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Embracing the Holidays: Making Travel with Someone Living with Dementia Easier and More Joyful

Embracing the Holidays: Making Travel with Someone Living with Dementia Easier and More Joyful

Carlyn Lenfestey Daily Routines & Activities, Dementia & the Holidays, Dementia Care Tips
Navigating Holiday Travel with Someone Living with DementiaThe holidays are a time for connection and creating cherished memories, but traveling with someone living with dementia can bring unique challenges. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe, comfortable journey that keeps the holiday spirit alive. From simplifying travel plans to packing familiar comforts, this guide offers practical, empathetic tips to help you embrace the season with confidence and joy.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carlyn Lenfestey, PT, MPT, CDP, CADDCT, is a licensed physical therapist with 25 years of clinical experience and 15 years specializing in dementia care. She is the founder of A Better Way: Dementia Care Solutions, LLC, the creator of the Wheel of Function Framework™, and the host of the podcast, Navigating Dementia.

DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this blog is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a doctor or a licensed physical therapist before starting any new exercise routine, using assistive devices, or following the recommendations mentioned. Every individual's needs are different, and professional guidance is essential to ensure safety and appropriateness of care.

Meet Carlyn Lenfestey

Carlyn is a dedicated physical therapist with over 20 years of experience, holding a Bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from the University of New England. For more than a decade, she has been a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner and Trainer. Her journey into dementia care began when her grandfather was diagnosed, and she watched her grandmother take on the role of caregiver. Over the years, as her remaining three grandparents were also diagnosed, Carlyn developed a deep commitment to helping caregivers.

Having cared for countless patients with dementia, Carlyn understands the struggles both personal and professional caregivers face. She has provided training and support to both groups, ensuring that caregivers are knowledgeable, equipped, and empowered. Driven by the belief that people with dementia deserve lives filled with joy and purpose, Carlyn is passionate about creating a better way to care for and support both individuals with dementia and those who care for them.


Photo of Carlyn Lenfestey