Christmas tips when your loved one has dementia

Admiral Nurses are specialist dementia nurses who provide free, expert advice, support and understanding to help families care for their loved one.

Dementia can be devastating for the whole family. Too often, people are left to cope alone with ever-changing and relentless challenges. Families often have to take on caring responsibilities that push them to their physical, emotional and financial limits. Admiral Nurses are there to help when people need them most.

Oakhaven's Admiral Nurse, Janet, has shared some suggestions from Dementia UK to consider over the festive period if your loved one has dementia.

• Plan ahead: order prescriptions early, shop in advance, and note emergency contacts
• Share information: let family and friends know about your loved one's dementia
• Keep meals simple: serve familiar foods, smaller portions, and finger foods if needed
• Reduce overstimulation: limit loud music, crackers and competing noises
• Stick to routines: maintain familiar mealtimes, daily habits, and favourite activities
• Include them: involve your loved on in decisions and activities without overwhelming them
• Take care of yourself: arrange respite if possible or carve out small moments for yourself
• Ease transitions: plan departures for daylight and make the return welcoming
• Keep communication simple: encourage guests to smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly
• Be kind to yourself: don't aim for perfection and accept help
• Manage loneliness and loss: connect with loved ones virtually and seek support if needed.

For more information, visit https://www.dementiauk.org/news/christmas-activities-for-people-living-with-dementia/