Navigating the Holiday Season When a Loved One is Living with FTD

The holidays can bring joy, connection, and celebration, but they can also present unique challenges for families supporting a loved one living with frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Changes in routine, crowded gatherings, and sensory overload can quickly become overwhelming. With a bit of planning and a focus on comfort, you can create moments that feel meaningful and manageable for everyone. Here are some practical strategies to help your loved one and your whole family navigate the season more smoothly.

Choose Gatherings Thoughtfully

The hustle and bustle of large holiday parties may be too stimulating for someone with FTD. If possible, opt for smaller, quieter gatherings that offer a more relaxed environment. Intimate gatherings make it easier for your loved one to engage without feeling overwhelmed by noise, crowds, and fast-paced conversation.

Set Expectations Ahead of Time

Before any event, consider providing guests with some context. Briefly explaining your loved one’s strengths, challenges, and communication style can help others know what to expect and how to interact supportively. This simple step can ease anxiety on all sides and create a more inclusive, comfortable atmosphere.

Create Opportunities for One-on-One Connection

Large groups can be disorienting, but one-on-one interactions often feel more calming and meaningful. You might offer a quiet space where guests can visit individually with your loved one. These slower, more personal moments can help maintain relationships without overwhelming them.

Providing a Quiet Space for Breaks

Even at small gatherings, it’s essential to make room for rest. Designate a quiet room where your loved one can relax and take a break if things start feeling too intense. A few minutes of calm can go a long way in preventing fatigue or irritability.

Include Them in Simple, Doable Ways

If your loved one is interested and able, invite them to participate in small or single-step tasks, such as folding napkins, placing ornaments, or helping set the table. These activities can support a sense of purpose and connection without adding pressure or confusion.

Plan for Extra Rest

Social connection and mental stimulation, even the joyful kind, can be exhausting. Allow time to rest both before and after gatherings. It’s also helpful to remember that your loved one may feel tired for a day or two after the event. Building downtime into your schedule helps everyone stay balanced.

Stick to Normal Routines

Whenever possible, try to maintain familiar sleep and daily routines. Consistency can help reduce anxiety and disorientation, making the holiday season feel more predictable and comfortable.

Share FTD Awareness Cards

Holidays often bring together people who may not interact with your loved one on a regular basis. Having FTD awareness cards on hand can be a simple, discreet way to explain behavioral or language symptoms without needing to interrupt the moment or offer lengthy explanations. To access FTD Awareness cards, use the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD) website here.

Navigating the holidays with a loved one who has FTD doesn’t have to mean giving up cherished traditions. With mindful planning and a compassionate approach, you can celebrate the season in ways that honor both your loved one’s needs and your family’s joy.