12/16/2025
The holidays can be a joyful time—but for individuals living with dementia and those who support them, this season can also bring change, overstimulation, and emotional complexity. Rebecca Friedman is one of our Care Managers whose work beautifully illustrates what compassionate dementia care looks like—especially during the holidays.
Rebecca’s passion for helping people began while completing her Master’s in Public Health, but it was during her early work with seniors that she discovered how powerful simple presence can be. She shares the story of a client with severe dementia who is nonverbal, yet recognizes Rebecca immediately. When Rebecca enters the room, the woman’s face lights up. She reaches out, holds Rebecca’s hand, and smiles throughout the visit.
Rebecca reminds us that for someone living with dementia, connection doesn’t have to be complicated. During the holidays—when routines shift and environments change—small moments of familiarity matter even more. A calm voice. A gentle touch. Sitting together without expectation. As families and caregivers navigate the season, Rebecca offers an important reminder that you just need to meet your loved one where they are today.
This holiday season, let’s focus on presence over perfection, connection over tradition, and compassion over expectations.
