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Tips for Spending Holiday Time With Family Members Who Live with Dementia

By Dennis Thompson HealthDay Reporter

Posted on December 2024

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 22, 2024.

SATURDAY, Dec. 21, 2024 -- The holiday spirit is infectious, even for people suffering from dementia.

But family and friends might need to make some slight adjustments to help a dementia patient better enjoy the holidays, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) says.

“Dementia doesn’t prevent someone from feeling the warmth, love and laughter of the holiday season, but it can change how they experience it,” Jennifer Reeder, the AFA’s director of educational and social services, said in a news release from the group.

“Being proactive, adaptable and inclusive of the person’s wishes and abilities are the best ways caregivers can help them have a happy and joyful holiday season,” Reeder added.

Some tips for creating a dementia-friendly festive environment include:

• Take cues from your loved one. Base plans on what a person can do and what they choose to do, rather than dwelling on what they used to do. Focus on things that bring joy, and let go of activities that seem too stressful.

• Keep decorations simple. Flickering lights, noisy items or major changes to a person’s environment can be overwhelming and potentially cause them to wander. Phase in a few simple decorations over a period of days so the changes are less confusing.

• Avoid decorations that might be dangerous. Don’t put out fragile decorations that can shatter. Decorations that look like food or candy might be mistaken for edible treats, creating a choking or dental hazard. Also be mindful of potential tripping hazards on the floor, such as electrical cords for decorations. Securely hook Christmas trees to the wall, and use electric menorahs or kinaras to reduce fire hazard.

• Adapt past traditions. Ask your loved one what traditions are most important to them, if possible. They might want to share favorite movies, or take part in activities like sending out holiday cards or baking treats. They also might enjoy new traditions, like touring neighborhood holiday lights together. These activities keep them engaged, and that can help you plan and prioritize.

• Prepare a quiet, calm space before family gatherings. A place where the person can sit comfortably while small groups of guests visit can help keep a celebration from becoming overwhelming. Provide familiar comfort items in the space to help your loved one feel safe and calm, such as a favorite blanket, sweater or stuffed animal. Try to stick to their normal routine during these gatherings, as disruptions in routine can be difficult for them.

• Accept help from others. The holiday bustle can be stressful even without the added responsibilities of caregiving. Accept offers of assistance from friends and family, and be specific about what would be helpful -- they might be eager to help but not know exactly what to do.

Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.

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