Tips for celebrating Christmas with a friend or family member with dementia

Kirstie Wilton from Dementia Wellington

Christmas is a time for getting together with family and friends, but the change in routine and extra people can be overwhelming for someone with dementia. Luckily, there are ways to make your festive event easier if your guest list includes a person with dementia.
• If the house becomes very busy, designate a ‘quiet room’ without television or music where the person with dementia can rest but still be part of the festivities.
• Think of activities the person may enjoy doing, and try to involve them in what you are doing, even if it’s helping with chores like cooking or tidying. Most people like to participate and be helpful.
• Singing carols is a good activity to do with a group of people, with the added bonus of stimulating both mind and body.
• Reminiscing about ‘my first memory of Christmas’ or ‘The most disastrous Christmas dinner’ can be great inter-generational fun, children love hearing about the olden days.
• If the house is unfamiliar to the person with dementia, labels on some doors (like the bathroom and kitchen) may be useful, and consider keeping the section/house safe.
• At night time, keep a few lights on so the person with dementia is less likely to get confused and/or disorientated.
• At meal times, avoid overloading your guest’s plate, as a full plate can be quite daunting and confusing, instead encourage going back for seconds!
• Consider designating one person to be the ‘buddy’ for the person with dementia and take turns sharing this role.
• Most importantly, remember to have fun, it’s okay to laugh and with a little bit of planning your festive get-togethers can be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
If you are concerned about memory loss in yourself or a loved one, Alzheimers Wellington offers advice, support and services for people affected by dementia across the Wellington region. Contact 0800 004 001 or www.alzheimers.org.nz...
Alzheimers Wellington