Top Tips for a Dementia Friendly Christmas

How Christmas can affect people with dementia

Changes in Routine

During Christmas, daily routines are often disrupted by different schedules, travel plans, and gatherings. People with dementia may find it difficult to adapt to these changes, leading to confusion or anxiety. In particular, unfamiliar environments, noise, and large crowds can feel overwhelming.

To minimise the impact your Christmas routine could have on someone with dementia you should:

• Maintain Familiarity: Try to keep some elements of the routine consistent, even if there are disruptions. For example, ensure that meals, naps, and bedtimes are at regular times to provide structure.
• Prepare in Advance: If travel or gatherings are planned, prepare the person with dementia beforehand. Use reminders or visual cues to inform them of upcoming changes.
• Limit Travel: If possible, avoid long trips or unfamiliar places, which can cause confusion. If travel is necessary, try to ensure that the person feels as comfortable as possible in the new environment.
• Create a Calm Space: If the holiday celebrations are overwhelming, provide a quiet area where the person can retreat and rest, helping them recharge.

Sensory Overload

The bright lights, loud music, and bustling gatherings are much-loved elements of the festive period for a lot of people, but for those with dementia, stimuli such as these can create sensory overload, creating feelings of distress, agitation, and disorientation.

To avoid sensory overload you should be mindful of the environment you are creating and the places you visit.

• At home: Ensure your lights are on calm rather than flashing settings, and the presence of quiet background music can create a nice atmosphere whilst also bringing a festive spirit.
• When out and about: Avoid big crowds by going to places at quieter times and consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones to reduce unavoidable audio stimuli to a minimum.

Social Isolation

Although Christmas is usually a time for family gatherings, individuals with dementia may feel isolated during the holiday season. If their families are unable to visit or if they find it challenging to participate in social settings, feelings of loneliness can arise.

Communication difficulties may also hinder their ability to join conversations, intensifying these feelings. However, there are many simple ways to connect with and engage people with dementia during Christmas, helping them feel included and supported.

Make them feel listened to: You can simplify conversations and use visual cues such as pictures, videos, or gestures to help aid their understanding. Also, keeping conversations on a 1-to-1 basis instead of in larger groups can be more manageable for people with dementia. You should also give them plenty of time to respond so they don’t feel rushed in conversation.

Simple Christmas activities: You can also encourage them to partake in simple Christmas activities such as arts and crafts, listening to Christmas music, and watching films and TV shows so they feel part of the festivities.

Closing the distance: If your loved one is located further away you can set up a video call with them to close the gap when a visit isn’t possible or appropriate. If they are living in a residential home or accommodation you could ask a member of staff to help you set this up.

Memories of the Past: Dementia can affect memory and cognitive abilities, but certain memories from past Christmases may still hold emotional significance. These memories can sometimes lead to sadness or frustration, especially if someone struggles to recognise loved ones or places.

There are some simple ways to support someone who is in distress due to their dementia symptoms.

Provoking positive memories: Surround the person with familiar objects, photos, and music. The presence of personal and sentimental stimuli can provoke happy memories from the past and reduce frustration. This idea forms the basis of reminiscence therapy which is frequently used to improve the lives of those with dementia.

Providing emotional support: Despite this, frustration and sadness regarding memory can still occur. Be sensitive and understanding in response to these feelings, and provide reassurance and emotional support by redirecting them to the positive stimuli you have available to you.

Physical Strain

The colder weather, combined with potential travel and changes in diet or activity levels, can exacerbate physical symptoms or health conditions in people with dementia. This can lead to fatigue, discomfort, or difficulty managing their symptoms.

There are plenty of ways to adapt and support someone with dementia when traveling or taking part in festive activities:

Be proactive: Someone with dementia may be unable to communicate their discomfort, so it’s important that you monitor their health, and pay attention to any changes in their mood, energy levels, appetite, and mobility.

Stay in their comfort zone: When doing activities make sure they suit the person’s mental and physical capabilities to avoid any unnecessary physical strain. You should also ensure they are dressed appropriately for the temperature, and that they are staying hydrated.

Eating meals is also an activity that can create discomfort at Christmas. Dysphagia is a common condition for people with dementia, causing swallowing difficulties. Ensure that people with dementia/dysphagia have a nutritious diet and adapt festive dishes to suit their needs. You can read more about dining with dysphagia here.