Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. For those living with dementia, however, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be overwhelming and confusing. As a result, it's important to find ways to include and support loved ones with dementia during this time of year.
One way to do this is to keep activities simple and focused. This can help reduce confusion and anxiety for those with dementia. For example, instead of planning a big holiday party with lots of people and noise, consider having a small gathering with just a few close friends or family members. This can create a more intimate and calm atmosphere.
Another way to include elderly relatives with dementia in Christmas activities is to focus on sensory experiences. For example, you could bake favourite treats together and focus on the smells, textures, and flavours. You could also decorate the house with familiar and comforting Christmas decorations, such as a Christmas tree, twinkling lights, and favourite ornaments! These activities can help stimulate the senses and create a sense of familiarity and comfort for relatives with dementia.
It's also important to consider your loved one's abilities and preferences when planning activities. For some, activities that involve movement and physical activity may be enjoyable, such as going for a walk to look at Christmas lights or singing festive songs together. For others, quieter activities may be more suitable, such as looking through photo albums or listening to Christmas music.
Another key aspect of including loved ones with dementia in Christmas activities is to provide support and assistance as needed. This can involve helping with tasks that may be difficult for the individual, such as wrapping gifts or writing cards. It can also involve providing reminders and cues to help the individual participate in activities and stay engaged. Live-in Carers help people living with dementia prepare of Christmas as well as enjoy festive activities, and assist on the day itself whether this is visiting family or hosting Christmas in their own home.
As our loved ones age, it becomes even more important to ensure that they are getting the care that they need. For those dealing with dementia, it can be particularly challenging to give them the support they require. We offer live in dementia care for elderly individuals, providing them with the attentive and compassionate care they deserve. With dementia care in the home, we can ensure that your loved one is receiving the specialised support they need to continue living a happy and fulfilling life. Our team is dedicated to offering dementia care at home that goes above and beyond, so that you can have peace of mind knowing that your loved one is in good hands.
We help families across the UK arrange the perfect Live-in Carers to provide 24 hour care at home. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you family, call us today on 01264 319 390.