Christmas should be one of the happiest times of the year, but sadly for hundreds of thousands of people living with dementia, the festive period can be a really challenging time.

This year Alzheimer’s Society South London team led by Community Coordinator Fiona McLeod and Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Advisers, Sue West and Vicki Palacio joined with The Croydon Dementia Action Alliance to celebrate Christmas in style.

Croydon Dementia Action Alliance Xmas party Bavin Patel Director of Home Instead Croydon and guests

The event was held in the stunning Braithwaite Hall in Croydon and was attended by 35 families, local Councilor’s Margaret Bird and Yvette Hopely and the Head of Older Services Sean Oliver . Programmes Director Susan Underhill of Age UK Croydon attended and contributed wonderful music courtesy of Paul Betts, who had everyone singing and dancing. The food and warm blankets were kindly sponsored by Home Instead Croydon, with Director Bavin Patel and Manager Krisna Patel in attendance.

Croydon Dementia Action Alliance Xmas party dancers

Sadly, not everyone living with dementia is so well supported or aware of who to turn to for help. One in three people born in the UK today will go onto develop dementia in their lifetime and currently around one million people in the UK are living with the condition, including more than 87,300 people across London and more than 4,300 in Croydon.

This Christmas, Alzheimer’s Society, a charity dedicated to providing help and hope for people affected by dementia, is gifting people with the knowledge, support and guidance they need to help everyone feel included and enjoy the occasion.

Here, Alzheimer’s Society’s Community Development Coordinator in London, Fiona McLeod, gives her top eight tips for supporting a loved one living with dementia during the festive period.

Put up decorations gradually
We all love Christmas decorations but a sudden change in environment can be confusing and distressing for someone living with dementia. Think about introducing Christmas decorations such as tinsel, stockings and the Christmas tree gradually so it doesn’t come as a shock to the person living with dementia.

Keep it simple and familiar
For someone living with dementia, Christmas can be an overwhelming time. Keeping the activities low-key may help your loved one stay relaxed. For example, if your loved one usually goes to midnight mass every year but is unable to this festive season, consider alternatives such as a televised or online service.

Alternatively, if your loved one has dinner at the same time every day outside of the festive season, stick to the same timings at Christmas and keep it in a familiar setting where possible. This will help limit any potential confusion or agitation.

Get everyone involved
There’s often a lot going on at Christmas but there are plenty of ways to get your loved one involved. This could be something as simple as asking them to hang a bauble on a tree, to doing a spot of Christmas shopping, which can include online shopping, or encouraging them to pick their favourite Christmas songs.

Music plays a vital role in the lives of people living with dementia and can be a fun and simple way to ensure your loved one is included in the festivities.

Create a quiet area
Having lots of guests around during the festive season can be overwhelming for people living with dementia.

If things do get busy, especially on Christmas day, designate one room or space in the home a ‘quiet space’, where the person living with dementia can retreat to and relax in. This will help reduce the possibility of them feeling overwhelmed, agitated or anxious.

Bring back old memories
Treasured photos, songs or activities can be a great way to engage with people with dementia and help to start conversations. Take time out of the busy day to sit down with your loved ones and reminisce.

Making a family photo album or memory box could be a nice way to spend time together. It can be a useful tool in helping a person with memory loss to remember important people and events.

Do be mindful that there may be events or memories that the person living with dementia will not wish to reminisce about.

Be mindful of food
Although many people eat a lot at Christmas, a full plate can be daunting for someone who has difficulties eating. The eating habits of people living with dementia can change and they may not eat as much as they used to.

Try to keep the same size portions and type of food the person likes during the Christmas period. If you’re doing the serving, try not to overload your loved one’s plate. If they prefer finger foods to a large meal, consider ways to accommodate this.

While eating, it’s important that the person doesn’t feel hurried and is given enough time to eat and enjoy themselves.

7. Be flexible
It’s easy to get caught up in Christmas traditions and how things have always been done in the family, but your festive season might begin to look different as dementia progresses. It’s always worth having a ‘plan B’ and be prepared to change your plans if a particular element isn’t working. It’s important that everyone is comfortable and able to celebrate in the way that is best for them.

8. Plan ahead
If the person with dementia is living in a care home, it can be helpful to ask the home in advance what their plans are for Christmas Day, particularly if there are restrictions or visiting policies in place.

Planning will help family and friends visit their loved one in good time. It can also allow for staggered visits during the day so that the person is not overwhelmed with lots of visitors at once.

Help Alzheimer’s Society provide a little light to people affected by dementia this Christmas. To donate, share your story or for more information, visit alzheimers.org.uk/Christmas or call 0333 150 3456.