The twinkling lights, festive carols, and beloved traditions of the holiday season stir up nostalgia for many of us. But, for families of seniors with dementia, they often pose more questions than cheer.
Is it safe for Grandpa to decorate the house? Will the chaos of a family dinner upset them?
While dementia certainly presents challenges, with some adjustments, many treasured rituals can continue bringing joy. The key is customizing activities to the individual's abilities and comfort levels.
In this blog, we offer tips for family caregivers to celebrate the holidays in dementia-friendly ways. Remember that everyone is unique, and a plan that works for one person might not work for others.
Our goal is to inspire inclusive celebrations that allow those with dementia to meaningfully partake in their own ways with dignity, engagement, and plenty of holiday spirit.
Understanding Dementia and Its Impact on Seniors
Before looking at how we can adapt holiday customs to make them more accessible for people with dementia, it’s important to understand the nature of the condition and how it affects patients’ experiences.
Dementia is a progressive disease that impairs memory, reasoning, and communication abilities. As it advances, individuals face increasing challenges in understanding, awareness of surroundings, and managing emotions.
This can make it challenging for them to take part in holiday traditions, which tend to involve a lot of social interaction, sights, sounds, and activities that require thinking and planning.
Read also: 6 Early Signs of Dementia to Watch Out For
Adapting Holiday Décor with Seniors' Needs in Mind
For many of us, holiday decorations spark joy and get us into a festive spirit. But for seniors with dementia, decked out spaces can sometimes cause overstimulation or confusion. The key is to adapt holiday décor so it creates a sense of comfort and familiarity for them.
Start by looking at lighting—choose soft, steady lights rather than strobes or blinking bulbs that can be disorienting. Stick to simple, unbreakable decorations that won’t pose safety issues if touched or moved.
Bring out nostalgic ornaments and heirlooms that may evoke happy memories from Christmases past.
For many individuals with dementia, familiar sights and keepsakes can tap into emotions and experiences that remain intact even when cognition functions decline. Surround them with decorations from their era rather than jarring, modern styles.
Scaling Down Holiday Gatherings
The hustle and bustle of big holiday celebrations can overwhelm someone with dementia. Between crowded rooms filled with relatives, trying to keep track of gift routines, and following dinner table chatter, it's easy to become frustrated when the mind is no longer sharp.
Rather than scrap these meaningful traditions, small changes can make all the difference in allowing seniors with dementia to take part.
Opt for intimate gatherings with just a few close loved ones versus giant family reunions. Try simplified versions of traditional activities that focus on comfort and nostalgia, like gently singing along to a few favorite carols or storytelling to kindle fond holiday memories.
The goal is to remove unnecessary complexity while preserving the parts of holiday events that bring joy and togetherness.
Planning Holiday Gatherings for Mornings and Afternoons
When planning holiday gatherings with seniors who have dementia, it is important to consider timing adjustments due to a common symptom known as “sundowning.”
Many people with dementia experience increased confusion, anxiety, agitation, hallucinations, and disorientation in the late afternoon through nighttime hours.
Given these challenges that crop up later in the day, it is often better to hold holiday celebrations and family visits with dementia patients in the morning or afternoon when they are more likely to be alert, happy, and engaged.
Thoughtfully adjusting the timing helps include loved ones with dementia while minimizing frustration and distress during special times worth cherishing together.
As we navigate the holiday season, let us remember the importance of inclusivity and compassion in celebrating with seniors who have dementia, ensuring that they, too, can experience the warmth and magic of the holidays.
If you are looking for memory care services in Lafayette, Louisiana, to assist you and your family this holiday season, contact us at Home Instead!
Locally operated with care, we have a dedicated team standing by to assist you in finding the best care and loving services for your loved ones! Contact us today by filling out the form below to schedule a free care consultation!
Happy Holidays to you and your families!
