How to Have a Dementia-Friendly Christmas: A Practical Guide for Carers and Families 09 December 2024 Peter Middleton The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. However, for those of us who are living with dementia, our families, friends and loved ones, Christmas can bring unique challenges. But with thoughtful planning and adjustments, you can create a dementia-friendly environment that allows everyone to enjoy the festivities. Here's how to make this Christmas special and inclusive. Please Plan Ahead and Keep It Simple The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Simplifying the celebrations ensures a calmer environment: Limit the guest list: Too many people can be overstimulating. A smaller gathering allows for meaningful interactions. Create a clear schedule: Familiarity and routine are comforting. Stick to your loved one's usual mealtimes and bedtime. Communicate with guests: Brief family and friends about your loved one's needs and any behavioural changes they might expect. Decorate Thoughtfully Holiday decorations can be festive but also confusing or alarming to someone with dementia. Keep these tips in mind: Avoid excessive blinking lights: Flashing or overly bright lights may cause agitation or confusion. I find them particularly disturbing. Skip overly realistic decorations: Items like artificial food or lifelike Santas might be misinterpreted. Use familiar decorations: Incorporating ornaments or décor from past holidays can evoke positive memories and provide comfort. Adapt your Traditions Maintaining traditions is important, but they may need to be adjusted for your loved one's capabilities: Simplify gift-giving: Encourage practical presents like cosy clothing, soft blankets, or nostalgic music. Games and puzzles make great gifts if they're pitched at the appropriate difficulty level. Modify activities: Opt for a more uncomplicated menu or a casual buffet instead of a large holiday meal. Engage in low-pressure activities like listening to carols or watching classic Christmas movies together. Celebrate during the best time of day: For many of us with dementia, morning or early afternoon may be our peak time of alertness. I'm certainly not a "night owl" anymore! Create a Calm Environment A peaceful setting helps reduce confusion and agitation: Lower the background noise: Play soft holiday music instead of loud or competing sounds. Provide a quiet space: Ensure there's a room available where your loved one can retreat if they feel overwhelmed (this is a MUST for me). Use calming scents: Familiar smells like cinnamon or pine can be soothing, but avoid anything too intense. Include Us in Activities Participation in simple tasks can help Us feel included: Baking cookies: Let us help stir batter or sprinkle decorations. Crafting: Engage us in making holiday cards or stringing popcorn for garlands. Decorating together: Allow us to hang ornaments or set the table. Be Patient and Flexible The unpredictability of our dementia means plans may need to change. Stay patient: Be ready for mood changes: If we become tired or upset, adjust plans without frustration. Focus on the moment: Even brief smiles or laughter are victories. Let go of perfection and enjoy small moments of connection. Keep Safety in Mind Safety should always be a priority: Secure decorations: Avoid tripping hazards like extension cords or fragile decorations within reach. Monitor dietary needs: Ensure they don't accidentally consume non-edible items or foods we can't tolerate. Be mindful of fire risks: Use battery-operated candles and keep hot beverages out of reach. Capture the Memories Take the opportunity to document moments of joy: Photos and videos: Candid shots of us all enjoying the festivities can become cherished keepsakes. Create a memory scrapbook: Include pictures and notes about the day for us to look at later. Practice Self-Care Caring for someone with dementia during the holidays can be demanding: Ask for help: Don't hesitate to involve other family members in caregiving duties. Take breaks: Step away for a few moments to recharge when needed. Set realistic expectations: Focus on creating a positive experience rather than striving for perfection. Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas Above all, remember that the true essence of Christmas is love, connection, and kindness. Simple gestures, like holding hands, sharing a laugh, or reminiscing about past holidays, can make the season meaningful for everyone. By prioritizing comfort, inclusion, and joy, you can ensure a dementia-friendly Christmas that's warm and memorable for all. Merry Christmas, everybody! Article Categories Health and Wellbeing Recipes Hints and Tips
The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration. However, for those of us who are living with dementia, our families, friends and loved ones, Christmas can bring unique challenges. But with thoughtful planning and adjustments, you can create a dementia-friendly environment that allows everyone to enjoy the festivities. Here's how to make this Christmas special and inclusive. Please Plan Ahead and Keep It Simple The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Simplifying the celebrations ensures a calmer environment: Limit the guest list: Too many people can be overstimulating. A smaller gathering allows for meaningful interactions. Create a clear schedule: Familiarity and routine are comforting. Stick to your loved one's usual mealtimes and bedtime. Communicate with guests: Brief family and friends about your loved one's needs and any behavioural changes they might expect. Decorate Thoughtfully Holiday decorations can be festive but also confusing or alarming to someone with dementia. Keep these tips in mind: Avoid excessive blinking lights: Flashing or overly bright lights may cause agitation or confusion. I find them particularly disturbing. Skip overly realistic decorations: Items like artificial food or lifelike Santas might be misinterpreted. Use familiar decorations: Incorporating ornaments or décor from past holidays can evoke positive memories and provide comfort. Adapt your Traditions Maintaining traditions is important, but they may need to be adjusted for your loved one's capabilities: Simplify gift-giving: Encourage practical presents like cosy clothing, soft blankets, or nostalgic music. Games and puzzles make great gifts if they're pitched at the appropriate difficulty level. Modify activities: Opt for a more uncomplicated menu or a casual buffet instead of a large holiday meal. Engage in low-pressure activities like listening to carols or watching classic Christmas movies together. Celebrate during the best time of day: For many of us with dementia, morning or early afternoon may be our peak time of alertness. I'm certainly not a "night owl" anymore! Create a Calm Environment A peaceful setting helps reduce confusion and agitation: Lower the background noise: Play soft holiday music instead of loud or competing sounds. Provide a quiet space: Ensure there's a room available where your loved one can retreat if they feel overwhelmed (this is a MUST for me). Use calming scents: Familiar smells like cinnamon or pine can be soothing, but avoid anything too intense. Include Us in Activities Participation in simple tasks can help Us feel included: Baking cookies: Let us help stir batter or sprinkle decorations. Crafting: Engage us in making holiday cards or stringing popcorn for garlands. Decorating together: Allow us to hang ornaments or set the table. Be Patient and Flexible The unpredictability of our dementia means plans may need to change. Stay patient: Be ready for mood changes: If we become tired or upset, adjust plans without frustration. Focus on the moment: Even brief smiles or laughter are victories. Let go of perfection and enjoy small moments of connection. Keep Safety in Mind Safety should always be a priority: Secure decorations: Avoid tripping hazards like extension cords or fragile decorations within reach. Monitor dietary needs: Ensure they don't accidentally consume non-edible items or foods we can't tolerate. Be mindful of fire risks: Use battery-operated candles and keep hot beverages out of reach. Capture the Memories Take the opportunity to document moments of joy: Photos and videos: Candid shots of us all enjoying the festivities can become cherished keepsakes. Create a memory scrapbook: Include pictures and notes about the day for us to look at later. Practice Self-Care Caring for someone with dementia during the holidays can be demanding: Ask for help: Don't hesitate to involve other family members in caregiving duties. Take breaks: Step away for a few moments to recharge when needed. Set realistic expectations: Focus on creating a positive experience rather than striving for perfection. Celebrate the Spirit of Christmas Above all, remember that the true essence of Christmas is love, connection, and kindness. Simple gestures, like holding hands, sharing a laugh, or reminiscing about past holidays, can make the season meaningful for everyone. By prioritizing comfort, inclusion, and joy, you can ensure a dementia-friendly Christmas that's warm and memorable for all. Merry Christmas, everybody!
