Whilst it’s important to remember that Christmas can be overwhelming for someone living with dementia – and potentially difficult for family members who are caring for them – there are positive steps everyone can take to make sure the festivities can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Our Admiral Nurse, Fran Mada, has put together seven top tips to support someone living with dementia at Christmas time.
1. Start early
Talk about Christmas ahead of time to help someone living with dementia to get used to the idea, and make sure you plan social events well in advance, so you can let friends and family know about suitable timings for meals etc.
2. Keep your usual routine
If the person living with dementia usually gets up at 10am, try to organise the day so that’s still possible. Avoid any points of friction when it comes to getting ready for the day. Spending Christmas in their pyjamas might be more enjoyable than showering and changing on a busy morning! Keep to usual meal timings and preferences if you can.
3. Be sensitive to past experiences of Christmas
For some people, Christmas can be associated with negative feelings. Perhaps there were family rows or a bereavement at Christmas time. This sadness may resurface in someone with dementia, but they may not be able to express it, so try to be sensitive about past experiences and be patient.
4. Be aware of what matters
Did the person with dementia always go to church at Christmas? Maybe they don’t usually celebrate Christmas at all, for religious or other reasons. Try to accommodate what Christmas means to the person living with dementia.
5. Enjoy familiar music and movies
Christmas TV and radio schedules are always filled with traditional favourites. Someone living with dementia may really enjoy watching a familiar film, even if they don’t fully follow the storyline. Set aside some time to sit together and watch old movies or to listen to festive music from days gone by. Search online for particular favourites.
6. Decorations can be disorientating
For someone with dementia, decorations can make a room feel unfamiliar. They may be frightened of a tree, mistaking it for someone standing in the corner of the room, or may instead find the beautiful decorations so absorbing, they become distracted from their normal routine and even miss meals. Be observant of behaviour changes.
On the other hand, some people with dementia love to help with decorations and it may bring back very happy memories. Always try to be led by the person you are caring for.
7. Comfort and joy
A feeling of comfort and safety is incredibly important for someone living with dementia. Touch can have a huge impact in keeping them calm and happy, so keep affection at the heart of the celebrations. Make time to sit quietly holding hands if they are feeling overwhelmed
Fran says “Remember, everyone with dementia is different, and will display different behaviours at different times. Be patient and sensitive to anything that may be causing distress – but don’t be afraid to celebrate the festive season. Keep making memories and enjoy your Christmas together!”
