For most families, the thought of the upcoming holiday season brings images of happy families spending time together, sharing laughter and fond memories. For those who help care for the 65,000 Colorado residents with Alzheimer's disease, the holidays can often be filled with stress.

"The holidays can often be hard on caregivers, who are not only taking care of their loved one, but are also trying to maintain their traditional family gatherings," says Jodie McCann, senior services coordinator with the Highlands Ranch Metro District. For the caregivers who support and care for individuals with Alzheimer's, as well as those with dementia and other forms of memory loss, the holidays can often seem overwhelming.

The Alzheimer's Association of Colorado suggests the following to help make the holidays more enjoyable for both caregivers and their loved ones:

· Consider multiple small holiday meals with fewer people.
· Ask adult children to buddy up with the person living with memory loss. As a team, they can help monitor anxiety, overstimulation, fatigue and even wandering.
· Bring a special dinner to the assisted living or memory care community instead of taking the person with memory loss out to a crowded restaurant or even to your private home, which could be unfamiliar.

For more information, and suggestions on gifts for both caregivers and those with Alzheimer's disease, please visit www.highlandsranch.org and click on Senior Outreach Services under the Newsflash section. If you would like additional information about the Alzheimer's Association, please visit www.alz.org, or contact their helpline at 800-272-3900. For more information about Highlands Ranch senior services, please contact Jodie McCann at 720-240-4922, or at jmccann@highlandsranch.org.