Celebrating the holidays with a loved one with dementia can be a joyous time with family and friends but can also be filled with stress, disappointment and sadness. During this time, family, friends and caregivers may be overwhelmed maintaining holiday traditions while caring for their person with dementia.

Dementia SA (https://www.dementiasa.org/)  and Dementia UK (https://www.dementiauk.org/) provides some tips to navigate this time:

Plan ahead

During the Christmas season, it’s important to bear in mind that services like GP’s, mental health services (Psychiatrists, Psychologist), dentists and pharmacies have reduced hours or are even closed. 

Try and get things sorted ahead of time to minimize stress and disappointment.

These could include:

• Picking up prescriptions ahead of time
• Arrangements of alternative care if needed
• Making a list of after hours services 
• Packing in advance if you’re planning a trip
• Food and gifts shopping ahead of time

Adjust expectations & Avoid surprises

Discuss holiday celebrations with your family and friends. Make people aware beforehand that your loved one has dementia. If they are already aware of his/her dementia, inform them of changes to expect. 

Involve the person with dementia when planning activities. If possible, make sure they know what’s going to happen and that they’re happy with it – but equally important – don’t overload them with too many choices or expectations.

Involve the person with dementia

Throughout all stages of holiday preparation, involve the person in safe, manageable activities. 

Involve your person with simplistic tasks like decorations, arranging gifts, table set-up depending on what they are able to assist with.

Maintain the person’s normal routine so that holiday preparations don’t become disruptive or confusing. Build on past traditions and memories. Your family member may find comfort in certain traditions like singing holiday songs. 

Avoid overstimulation

Be mindful of overstimulating your person with dementia with too many sights and sounds. Reduce unnecessary noise like Christmas crackers, loud music and competing noises, like the television on while someone is talking. 

Keep activities short, with a pause every 30 – 40 minutes, and if you can, set aside a quiet room where they can have a rest or some downtime.

Look out for signs that your loved one is becoming tired or that noise levels are getting difficult for them to tolerate.

Give yourself a break

Try to find time to do whatever brings you peace, whether that’s watching a film, reading a good book or going for a meal with a friend.

Accept when help is offered and try to make arrangements to have some time for yourself, while your person is supervised or spending time with a trusted family member / friend or an agency carer.

Sources of Support

Reach out to family, friends or agencies for help if you’re struggling.

Dementia SA National Helpline: 0860 636 679

SADAG Service: Depression and Anxiety Whatsapp Chat line: 076 163 2030