Australians urged to include people with dementia this Christmas

As the festive season approaches, Maree McCabe CEO Alzheimer’s Australia Vic is urging families, carers and friends of people with dementia to be inspired to create a dementia-friendly festive season, where their loved ones with dementia are supported to be involved in the festivities.

Ms McCabe said encouraging people with dementia to participate in activities such as wrapping presents or perhaps setting the table will help them to feel included in amongst all the hustle and bustle of a family gathering.

“Perhaps printing out the lyrics to a few Christmas carols and having a sing-a-long, saving a few Christmas tree decorations to hang or cutting up some old Christmas cards and wrapping paper and making a collage with the children. A little preparation will help everyone to engage.” Ms McCabe said.

Alzheimer’s Australia has a number of resources available to support carers, families and people living with dementia such as a tip sheet relating to the holiday season and the issues that may arise for a person living with dementia available at fightdementia.org.au/understanding-dementia/tips-sheets.aspx, and a helpful booklet developed by friends of people living with dementia to help others remain engaged - The Friends Matter booklet.

Some tips for a dementia-friendly festive season include:

• Flexibility when considering the best time to share a celebratory meal, bearing in mind that a change in routine may be confusing for a person with dementia.
• Modifying the environment to ensure triggers for confusion are mitigated. For example, avoid blinking Christmas lights and artificial table decorations that appear edible such as fruits and sweets.
• Creating opportunities for family members and friends to share the caring role. They may assist by hosting an event at their own home.
• Encouraging the person with dementia to be involved in gift preparation.
• Allowing time for rest and quiet. Taking on too many tasks or trying to maintain past traditions may increase the feeling of being overwhelmed for the person living with dementia.

Further advice can be sought by calling the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500. The Helpline will operate through the holiday season from 9am to 5pm with the exception of national public holidays.

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