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Visit where they are. Take a few presents, not a lot. If you take food items, be careful that they are allowed to have them. Dementia patients get to a point where they choke on things. Also, be aware of other concerns. For instance, does mom have a diabetic roommate who can't have sugar? In that case, better to take something that the roommate can enjoy as well, since mom is unlikely to remember roommate shouldn't have sugar, roommate also is unlikely. Plants? Maybe mom isn't eating plants at this point, but others may wander in and eat them (or her hearing aids or Kleenex).

It's best to keep visits short. That's a major problem (never voiced by staff) at DH's memory care. Family shows up and spends 4 hours, and I can see their loved one tiring or becoming less responsive or withdrawing into herself. An hour visit would have been plenty, and large groups of visitors can frighten or intimidate. Imagine not knowing a bunch of people, not recognizing their faces, and they swoop down upon you and expect a kiss? Scary for them.

It isn't generally fun to take them out. Unfamiliar people and crowds can confuse a dementia patient. They may take things that don't belong to them. Bathrooms can become an issue. An incontinence blowout can be a HUGE issue. If they wander away, which can happen even with a couple of family members keeping track, you'll be dealing with an urgent safety problem. Remember that they are sick and have a broken brain. Expecting them to enjoy holidays as before is way too optimistic. Those days are over.

Have fun!
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Bring some special food she loves. Also a small Christmas type plant or flowers.
This should be festive!
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My mother is 96 and has been in memory care for 4 months. Her dementia is now at stage 6. For the holidays, we will visit her in small groups.

We will not be taking her out of the facility. At her advanced age, she is very frail, a serious fall risk, and periodically incontinent. We, her children, are all senior citizens ourselves.
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