7 ways to support somebody living with dementia at Christmas
Dementia NZ has release the following ways you can support your family members living with dementia this festive season...
- Introduce the Christmas environment slowly.
Think about putting decorations up gradually over a few days so it doesn’t come as a big change to the person’s usual setting.
- Keep it simple and familiar.
Someone living with dementia may feel overwhelmed over the Christmas period, so it’s best not to overdo it. Keeping the day’s activities low-key will help your loved one to relax. Sticking to a familiar routine is also a good idea where possible. Having meals at regular times and in familiar surroundings will help to limit any potential confusion.
- Get everyone involved.
There are many ways to involve people living with dementia at Christmas time – from something as simple as hanging a bauble on the tree to doing a spot of Christmas shopping. The important thing is that they feel included.
- Create a quiet room.
A large number of guests can be overwhelming, so ask family and friends to spread out their visits over the festive period. If things do get busy, designate one room in your house a ‘quiet room’ where your loved one can relax without loud noise.
- Bring back old memories.
Whether it’s an old song they used to enjoy or a classic Christmas film, find something fun you can take part in. Making a family photo album or memory box could be a nice way to spend time together.
- Be mindful of food.
Although many people eat a lot at Christmas, a full plate can be daunting for someone who has difficulties eating. If you’re doing the serving, try not to overload your loved one’s plate.
- Be flexible.
It’s easy to get caught up in Christmas traditions, but your festive season might begin to look different as dementia progresses. It’s always worth having a plan B, and be prepared to change your plans if a particular element isn’t working.