Published: 01/12/2023
Christmas is typically a joyous time of year filled with gifts, delicious food and family activities. But if someone in your family is suffering from dementia, it can be more complex to navigate than the usual Christmas.
Dementia is a common condition that affects nearly a million people in the UK. This form of cognitive decline can make the holiday season more stressful for those suffering from dementia, and those caring for them.
It’s vital to approach special occasions with patience and sensitivity, and bear in mind that this Christmas might not look the same as previous years. It’s also vital to identify who in your immediate circle you can rely on for support during this difficult time.
While the focus may be on those living with dementia, those who are around them will also feel the adverse effects. Taking care of your own mental health and well-being is essential if you are going to be an effective carer for your loved one.
Here are some tips on how to best support someone living with dementia during the festive season.
1. Establish a routine
Dementia can cause confusion when trying new activities or dealing with sudden changes, so sticking to a routine as much as possible can help keep the person from feeling overwhelmed or lost.
This might include familiar traditions like decorating the tree together – but also allowing for flexibility if their memory requires them to take things slower than usual. They might also become confused in the middle of activities, so be prepared to abandon plans if they are struggling.
This can be a huge disappointment, particularly if you have young children in your family. Once your family member is settled down, you can continue festive activities elsewhere, or try to create new traditions that can include everyone.
2. Slow down your pace
Attending holiday events or gatherings can overwhelm anyone, especially those living with dementia who require quiet time for reflection and absorption of information. Allow enough time between tasks and conversations so they have time to process everything without feeling rushed.
Let friends and family know that you might be late, you might have to leave early, or that you might have to drop out at the last minute. Managing expectations will help to limit your stress.
3. Simplify activities
Adjusting activities based on their current state of mind is important. And this applies even to basic things like opening presents. Make sure they are not given too many tasks at once such as having them actively participate in games by giving verbal commands they need to follow; instead, focus on crafting fun experiences that do not require too much effort. This could include things like listening to music or watching films.
4. Ask for help
If you’re spending Christmas away from home or close relatives, consider asking friends or neighbours who can lend an extra hand in case of any unexpected problems. This will give you peace of mind knowing there is always someone around who understands what kind of assistance the person needs.
If you have a live-in carer, they will help you to make arrangements over the Christmas period to ensure they have continuous care when they need it most.
5. Monitor their wellbeing
Monitor symptoms or signs associated with dementia such as agitation or confusion. This could stem from increased social stimulation which can sometimes bring about feelings of sadness or frustration for people living with dementia due to their lower capacity for change and understanding the circumstances at hand. Try reducing stimuli such as loud music/voices and let them rest if needed.
6. Take care of yourself
You need to be taking good care of your own well-being at Christmas, particularly if you are caring for someone in need. Make sure you make time to rest, eat healthy meals and exercise so that you can also enjoy the holiday season.
Christmas with dementia might be more challenging than in previous years, but there are ways to focus on the positives and allow the negatives to wash over you. If you are able to head into the holiday season with realistic expectations, you will be far more likely to be able to find joy in this special time of year.
