Preventing overwhelm with a dementia-friendly Christmas

With a few simple changes you can support your loved one to feel secure and enjoy the festivities.

Get ready for Christmas step by step

For people in dementia care, sudden changes to their environment can be overwhelming and cause unwanted confusion. To prevent this, introduce Christmas decorations into the house gradually, over a few days, so they can feel comfortable and safe in the home they’re accustomed to.

Enjoy the festivities together

Ensure people living with dementia can take part in Christmas activities. This will boost their confidence, give them a sense of purpose and make them feel included during the festive season. Making simple adjustments like attaching bigger loops to baubles, so they can help decorate the tree, pre-printing their name onto Christmas cards or taking them for a spot of shopping can go a long way in supporting loved ones.

A Christmas dinner that will be enjoyed by everyone

Many of us look forward to a decadent Christmas dinner, but for those living in dementia care, large dinners can be overwhelming. To counter this, make sure not to overload your loved one’s plate and instead, serve them a smaller amount of food more frequently, to ensure they’ve eaten enough. Soft foods can be a great option for those struggling to chew or swallow. You could also prepare a selection of finger foods for them to enjoy throughout the day, without having to worry about cutlery. Experts also suggest seating people with dementia in well-lit areas and using colourful plates, so they can easily see their food. If your loved one struggles to recognise dining table items, try placing the cutlery in their hands a tactile cue may help trigger what to do with them.

Relive cherished memories with your loved ones

Christmas is a great time to relive moments from the past. Having some old photographs or videos, a special film that your loved ones enjoy can help nurture conversation and bring back their fondest memories. There may be certain activities, smells or objects they love and have positive associations with, so make sure to include them in the festivities. If holding conversation proves to be difficult, simple things like listening or singing along to music together can be truly beneficial

Plan ahead and prepare to be flexible

Try supporting loved ones for a dementia-friendly Christmas by keeping their routine as steady as possible. Sticking to regular meal times and spreading out visits from family and friends over the festive period can help them feel more comfortable. During larger parties, set up a designated ‘quiet room’ so they can excuse themselves and relax away from the noise and the crowds. If you’re visiting others this Christmas, make sure to pack a bag with medication and a change of clothes, to avoid making them feel uncomfortable if an accident has occurred. Most importantly, prepare to be accommodating if you need to change your plans and ensure, wherever possible, your loved one feels safe and comfortable to enjoy precious time with friends and family this Christmas.

Take a look at the Looking After website for more advice and information. We offer a free care finding service to help you find the right care to suit your loved one. Visit www.lookingafter.org for more details