Lifestyle5 simple ways to support people with dementia at Christmas

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Privacy Notice For many families, Christmas is an exciting, fun-filled time marked by colourful decorations, a delicious dinner and the constant chatter of friends and family. For hundreds of thousands of people living with dementia though, the festive season can be challenging at best and, at worst, terrifying and confusing. One in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime, and like so many health conditions it is indiscriminate. Famous faces such as Fiona Phillips, Julie Goodyear and the late Barbara Windsor were all touched by the disease. There are currently 900,000 people living with the condition and numbers are set to rise.

Christmas can be a difficult and confusing time for loved ones living with dementia
(Image: Getty Images/Westend61)

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Dr Tim Beanland, head of knowledge and learning at Alzheimer’s Society, says, “There are also over 70,000 people with young-onset dementia, which means they developed symptoms before they were 65 and women are much more affected than men. Around two in three people living with dementia are women, while two thirds of people caring for someone with dementia are female.” Which is why, this Christmas, the Alzheimer’s Society is offering help and hope to everyone affected by the disease, providing knowledge, support and guidance to help everyone enjoy the occasion. If you are hosting relatives with dementia over the festive period then understanding things might have to look a little different in your home is vital. Angelo Makri, Alzheimer’s Society’s senior knowledge officer for wellbeing, says learning to be flexible is key. “It’s easy to get caught up in Christmas traditions and how things have always been done, but your festive season might begin to look different as dementia progresses.” Planning ahead is essential, especially if your loved one is living in a care home. “Restrictions or visiting policies will likely be in place and any prep will ensure everyone has a good time. This will also help with staggering visits to reduce feelings which may overwhelm,” adds Angelo.

Learning to be flexible is key to a successful Christmas, says Alzheimer’s Society’s senior knowledge officer Angelo Makri
(Image: Getty Images)

5 steps to a successful and supportive Christmas this year… 1. Put up decorations gradually Decorating the house for Christmas usually brings cheer, but a sudden change in environment can be confusing and distressing for someone living with dementia. Think about introducing decorations such as tinsel, stockings and the Christmas tree slowly and gradually so it doesn’t come as a shock all at once and frighten or worry your loved one. 2. Keep it simple and familiar Keeping planned activities low-key may help your loved one stay relaxed. For example, if they usually go to midnight mass every year but is unable to this festive season, consider alternatives such as a televised or online service. If they have dinner at the same time every day outside of the festive season, stick to the same timings at Christmas. This will help limit any potential confusion or agitation. 3. Get everyone involved There’s often a lot going on at Christmas but there are plenty of ways to get your relative involved. This could be something as simple as asking them to hang a bauble on a tree, doing a spot of present shopping – which can include online shopping – or encouraging them to pick their favourite Christmas songs. Music plays a vital role in the lives of people living with dementia and can be a fun and simple way to ensure everyone is included in the festivities.

The nation sadly lost Barbara Windsor to dementia, pictured with husband Scott Mitchell, in December 2020
(Image: UK Press via Getty Images)

4. Create a quiet area Having lots of guests around can be overwhelming so if things do get busy and a little hectic, especially on December 25, designate one room or area in the home as a “quiet space,” where the person living with dementia can retreat and relax. This will help reduce the possibility of them feeling agitated or anxious. 5. Be mindful of food A full plate can be daunting. The eating habits of people living with dementia can change and they may not consume as much as they used to. Try to keep the same size portions and type of food the person likes during the rest of the year. If you’re serving, don’t overload your loved one’s plate. If they prefer finger foods to a large meal, consider ways to accommodate this. While eating, it’s important that the person doesn’t feel hurried – give them time to eat and enjoy. Alzheimer’s Society provides help and hope to everyone living with dementia, supporting people living with dementia through the toughest and most frightening times. For more information or support this Christmas, visit alzheimers.org.uk/Christmas or call 0333 150 3456 Stuck for gift ideas? Alzheimer’s Society has a range of dementia friendly Christmas gifts to choose from on its online store. Search for its 12 Days of Christmas AppealStory SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnChristmasHealth

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