How to Support A Loved One With Dementia During Christmas

How to support a loved one with dementia during Christmas.

Christmas means many things to many people—typically a time for food, family and festivities. But for people with dementia it can be more challenging. But Alzheimer's Society have shared some really useful tips on easing the pressure and ensuring everyone can get involved over the festive period.

Making Christmas Dementia Friendly:

Tips include:

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Put decorations up gradually

– Introduce the Christmas environment slowly. Think about putting decorations up gradually over a few days so it doesn't come as a big change to the person's usual setting.

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Keep routines consistent

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Familiar routines are comforting for people with dementia

. While Christmas can often disrupt the usual schedule, try and maintain regular meal times, bedtime routines and quiet moments.

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Keep it simple and familiar

– Someone with dementia may feel overwhelmed over the Christmas period, so it's best not to overdo it. Keeping the day's activities low-key will help your loved one to relax.

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Create a quiet room

– A large number of guests can be overwhelming, so ask family and friends to spread out their visits over the festive period. This can drastically decrease anxiety and help with providing support for loved one with dementia.

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Bring back old memories

– Whether it's an old song they used to enjoy or a classic Christmas film, find something fun you can take part in.

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Give thoughtful gifts –

this can include; soft and comfortable clothing, photobooks with captions to spark memories, sensory items like a fidget blanket or just simple puzzles or games tailored to their abilities.

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Create a familiar playlist

– Music can have an impact on people with dementia, often triggering happy memories. Create a playlist of familiar holiday songs or carols. Stick to slower-paced, calming tunes if your loved one is sensitive to overstimulation.

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Use familiar scents

– The scent of cinnamon, pine, or fresh-baked cookies can evoke pleasant memories. Be mindful, though, the strong artificial scents can sometimes be overwhelming, so it's best to stick to subtle and natural aromas.

Helping your loved one with dementia feel part of festivities if you can't be with them:

From using video calling apps, to tuning into the same Christmas film to talk about it afterwards, there are lots of ways you can stay connected and support a loved one with dementia, like:

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Coordinate with caregivers –

Work with their primary care giver or care facility to ensure they feel included in holiday plans and are well-supported.

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Send a personalised package –

include familiar and comforting items like photos, handwritten notes or a favourite treat that evoke positive memories.

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Arrange video calls –

schedule video calls at times that fit their routine, focusing on calm, positive and familiar conversations.

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Use alternative communication –

if video calls aren't possible, opt for a phone call or send audio recording of a heartfelt holiday message.

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Enlist local support –

to support a loved one maybe think about asking trusted friends, neighbours or

professional carers

to check in on them and share some festive cheer.

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Support festive activities –

suggest or fund simple holiday activities they enjoy, like listening to Christmas music or decorating a small tree.

These gestures can help your loved one feel connected and cherished, even when you can't be physically present.

Helping your loved one to continue living independently and confidently in their own home.

By providing a range of support at home, we're helping many clients across Bath & North East Somerset and West Wiltshire retain their independence and stay in control in the comfort of their own homes.