Xmas and Dementia

Xmas Tips

Plan Ahead

Take everything at a slower pace, keeping the day’s activities low-key will help the patient to stay relaxed.

The carer and the patient are priority.

Let the patient get involved with writing cards or putting up decorations, start early and do it gradually hopefully they will be comfortable with that.

If it gets too much just stop or do the jobs maybe when the patient has gone to bed or its really not the end of the world if you don’t do it at all family or friends will have to learn to understand.

Limit the number of guests you have at your home at any one time.

Too many people in close proximity trying to connect with the patient at any one time could be overwhelming and cause upset.

If the patient is restless try showing them some family photos or playing some of their favourite songs, familiar things often have a calming effect.

Try to reduce noise levels of children getting overly excited at this time of year or family members indulging in too many festive tipples. (Granny knows this is a difficult one to get control of) but patients can still fully enjoy the company of grand or great grandchildren, it’s just a balancing act.

Consider your music and your TV volume levels plus any loud and overpowering conversations going on near the patient bearing in mind that the patient may quickly tire of loud activity’s going on around them and may at some point like to retire to a quieter part of the house.

 Xmas and New year Meals

Cook less keep the offering seasonal but not overpowering, serve smaller portions that the patient can cope with and explain to them what exactly is on the plate, make it sound appetising.

 If they don’t want to eat at the time you had arranged no need to worry just offer the food later in the day.

Offer help to eat if required.

Do not give alcohol to a patients unless their medication has been checked, and then only a small amount say for a merry xmas toast.

Medications

Remember that pharmacies and doctor’s surgeries are closed over the holiday periods so make sure you have everything medical that you need like prescriptions or personal hygiene products. Make a note of out of hours contact details for services you may require.

ASK FOR HELP

Don’t be proud ask your family for help, if you are struggling they won’t know the extent of the situation if you don’t explain to them.

If you have no family you may have a neighbour you can trust maybe just to get some shopping for you even show you how to shop online,  if you are elderly and caring and no longer driving one of your family or neighbours may willingly take you to pick up your shopping or medication and if they are really really compassionate neighbours they may even invite you and your partner into their home for xmas dinner or send in a couple of dinners for you to enjoy in your own home, which may prove easier with the patient staying in what they class as their safe environment.

I have mentioned this before but if you have family members coming home for Xmas who may have been working away or at university make sure that they are aware of any changes in the patient or the patients behaviour in advance of coming back to the fold so that they are not overwhelmed and can come to terms with the situation before re acquainting themselves with the patient.

If your loved one partner or friend is already in care then check the visiting times over the holidays as they may differ to those that normally apply.

As GGAT is a new group it would be extremely helpful if you could send in your favourite memories of xmas plus the traditions you uphold in your household at this very special time, I feel sure our members would love for you to share your experiences with them.

You can do this by sending in too GGAT, a post, pictures or videos which we will then share with our members.

A very Merry Xmas to all LGBTQ members living with or caring for someone living with Dementia.