Making Christmas Merry for Loved Ones with Dementia: Tips from Ashwell Home Care Services

Christmas is a magical time, but it can also bring challenges for those living with dementia and their families. At Ashwell Home Care Services, we’re here to help families in Malvern and Worcester create a holiday season that’s filled with joy, not stress. With a bit of preparation and creativity, you can ensure your loved one with dementia feels included and comfortable this festive season.

Here are some practical (and fun!) dementia care tips to make Christmas dementia-friendly:

Dementia at Christmas

🎄 1. Keep It Calm and Jingle On

Christmas often comes with noisy gatherings, flashing lights, and endless to-do lists. For a person with dementia at Christmas, this can be overwhelming. This is especially true as dementia progresses, making it important to plan quieter, more relaxed spaces to support the person you care for.

Tip: Create a “quiet corner” where your loved one can retreat if the festivities get too much. Add a cosy chair, a soft blanket, and maybe some calming music (think gentle carols, not “Jingle Bell Rock” on repeat!).

Bonus Fun: Turn it into a mini “Winter Wonderland” with fairy lights and festive cushions—it’s not just practical but also feels special!

🍪 2. Savor the Simple Traditions

Familiarity is comforting, so focus on traditions your family member enjoys and remembers, especially as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia progress.

Tip: Bake some old family recipes together. The scent of freshly baked mince pies or gingerbread might spark cherished memories.

Bonus Fun: Make it playful! Use festive cookie cutters and encourage them to “help” by sprinkling flour or decorating.

🎁 3. Deck the Halls—Carefully

Christmas decorations can be delightful, but they can also be confusing or disorienting for someone with dementia. For a loved one with dementia, simple, clear decorations can be more effective.

Tip: Opt for simple, uncluttered decorations. Avoid blinking lights or overly busy patterns that might cause anxiety.

Bonus Fun: Get them involved in decorating! Hanging ornaments or arranging a nativity set can be a gentle, enjoyable activity.

📅 4. Plan Festivities That Fit Their Pace

Keeping routines steady is key. Sudden changes can be disorienting for someone with dementia. This is especially true for those in the later stages of dementia, where consistency becomes even more important.

Tip: Schedule Christmas activities during times of the day when your loved one feels their best—maybe a festive lunch instead of a late dinner.

Bonus Fun: Organize a “mini Christmas morning” the day before with just your immediate family. It can double as a practice run for the big day!

💌 5. Keep Communication Cheerful and Clear

Conversations at big gatherings can be tricky. Simplify interactions to keep your loved one engaged and ensure you’re supporting them with clear communication, especially when caring for someone with dementia.

Tip: Use short, clear sentences and speak slowly. Don’t rush them to respond—it’s okay if they just enjoy listening.

Bonus Fun: Create a photo scrapbook of family and friends or past Christmases. It’s a great conversation starter and a fun way to reminisce together.

🍷 6. Mind the Mulled Wine

Christmas treats are part of the fun, but too much sugar or alcohol can impact mood and behaviour. If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, it’s best to offer lighter alternatives that are easy to enjoy.

Tip: Offer festive alternatives like spiced apple cider or a mocktail with cranberry juice and sparkling water.

Bonus Fun: Set up a “mocktail station” and let your loved one help mix the drinks!

🎶 7. Sing (and Dance!) the Season Bright

Music is a powerful tool for connecting with those living with dementia. During the festive season, Christmas carols and familiar tunes can provide comfort.

Tip: One of the thoughtful dementia care tips, play classic carols and encourage singing along. Songs like Silent Night and White Christmas might stir happy memories.

Bonus Fun: Throw a mini dance party! Even a gentle sway to the music can bring laughter and smiles.

🎁 8. Gift Giving, Simplified

Choosing presents for someone with dementia can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep things simple and meaningful, focusing on gifts that provide sensory pleasure or comfort.

Tip: Opt for meaningful, sensory gifts like a soft shawl, a memory photo book, or a lavender-scented cushion. (See our last blog for more great gift ideas!)

Bonus Fun: Wrap gifts in bright but not overly busy paper—and don’t forget an easy-to-open bow!

🤝 9. Ask for Help (It’s a Gift to Yourself!)

Finally, don’t be afraid to lean on your support network. Christmas is about coming together! If caring for someone with dementia feels overwhelming, professional services can help provide the support the person you care for needs.

Tip: Delegate tasks or take advantage of professional services (like us!) to ease the load.

Bonus Fun: Host a pre-Christmas potluck so everyone pitches in with food and prep—less stress, more cheer.

How to Deal with People with Dementia

At Ashwell Home Care Services, we understand the unique challenges that dementia at Christmas can bring, especially during the festive season. By focusing on simplicity, routine, and fun, you can create a holiday experience that works for everyone. After all, Christmas is about being together, and with a little thought, it can still be the most wonderful time of the year for both you and the person you care for.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Ashwell Home Care Services! 🎅✨

Would you like more advice or support on dementia care tips? Still unsure of how to deal with people with dementia? Contact us today—we’re here to help.