Dementia: High Ideas for supporting somebody at Christmas

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Vibrant decorations, carol singing, exchanging presents, and catching up with family and friends – it’s all a part of what makes this time of 12 months particular for thus many. Christmas needs to be joyful, however sadly for the 900,000 individuals dwelling with dementia the festive interval is usually a actually difficult time.

One in three individuals born within the UK at the moment will go onto develop dementia of their lifetime and at present 900,000 individuals within the UK live with the situation.

This Christmas, Alzheimer’s Society is offering assist and hope to everybody affected by dementia, gifting them with the data, assist and steerage they should assist everybody really feel included.

Right here Angelo Makri, Alzheimer’s Society’s Senior Information Officer for Wellbeing, provides his prime tricks to supporting a liked one dwelling with dementia throughout the festive interval.

1) Put up decorations step by step

All of us love Christmas decorations however a sudden change in setting might be complicated and distressing for somebody dwelling with dementia. Introduce decorations step by step so it doesn’t come as a shock to the individual dwelling with dementia.

2) Preserve it easy and acquainted

For somebody dwelling with dementia, Christmas might be an amazing time, however protecting actions low-key might assist the one you love keep relaxed. For instance, if the one you love normally goes to midnight mass however is unable to this 12 months, take into account alternate options resembling a televised or on-line service. If they’ve dinner on the similar time day-after-day, stick with the identical timings at Christmas and in a well-known setting.

3) Get everybody concerned

There are many methods to get the one you love concerned in Christmas, such asking them to hold a bauble on a tree, selecting a favorite tune for a festive playlist or doing a spot of Christmas purchasing.

4) Create a quiet space

Numerous visitors over the festive season might be overwhelming for individuals with dementia. If issues do get busy, designate one room a ‘quiet house’, the place the individual dwelling with dementia can retreat to and chill out in.

5) Deliver again previous reminiscences

Treasured pictures, songs or actions might be a good way to interact with individuals with dementia. Take outing of the busy day to sit down down along with your family members and reminisce. Nevertheless, be aware that there could also be occasions or reminiscences the individual might not want to reminisce about.

6) Be aware of meals

A plateful of meals might be daunting for somebody who has difficulties consuming. Attempt to preserve to the identical dimension parts and varieties of meals the individual usually likes. If they like finger meals to a big meal, take into account methods to accommodate this. Don’t hurry the individual, give them sufficient time to eat and luxuriate in themselves.

7) Be versatile

It’s straightforward to get caught up in Christmas traditions and the way issues have at all times been achieved within the household, however your festive season would possibly start to look totally different as dementia progresses. It’s at all times value having a ‘plan B’ and be ready to alter your plans if a specific aspect isn’t working.

8) Plan forward

If the individual with dementia resides in a care residence, it may be useful to ask the house upfront what their plans are for Christmas Day, significantly if there are restrictions in place.

Planning may permit for staggered visits throughout the day so the individual isn’t overwhelmed with plenty of guests directly.

Alzheimer’s Society offers assist and hope to everybody dwelling with dementia, supporting individuals dwelling with dementia by way of the hardest and most scary occasions. For extra info and assist this Christmas, go to alzheimers.org.uk/Christmas or name 0333 150 3456.