Dementia Friends Champion Helen Morris offers some thoughts on dementia at Christmas
AT THIS time of year, when everyone starts getting a bit fraught managing the expectations of a modern Christmas day, some relatives and friends might be worrying about including a loved one with dementia in the celebrations.
For people with a more recent diagnosis it can be the decision of whether to tell family and friends about it and what everyone can do to keep the day a happy one.
This could be anything from speaking clearly and at a measured pace or allowing the person a few moments of peace in a quiet part of the house without making a big deal about it.
Partners or carers have a big part to play here because each person with dementia will experience the condition differently and those closest will know best what small accommodations can make the day easier and joyful for their loved one. They will need to tell people in advance so everyone can think about it before the day.
It can be a big decision if a loved one is now living in a residential care home with perhaps more advanced dementia and quite possibly some mobility issues and idiosyncrasies that must be thought about.
It could be tempting to think the disruption would be too great for the benefit the visit might bring, especially if the person has been anxious and wanting to leave on previous occasions or has forgotten they have been the following day.
Also other people present might be less than patient – always I firmly believe due to a gap in their understanding and therefore a lack of empathy with the person.
All I can say is wherever it is remotely possible bring those relatives and friends to your celebration and make an enormous fuss of them in a kind and considerate way.
They will love hearing familiar voices, observing children playing and pets enjoying Christmas titbits and laughing when fellow rosy-cheeked revelers tell the awful cracker jokes.
It does not have to be the whole day but those few hours will bring an emotional buzz that will last for ages afterwards, even if the actual memory of the event fades.
And if people don’t remember the details it really does not matter, they will have a wonderful time with their family and friends.
Happy Dementia Friendly Christmas everyone.
If any groups or societies would welcome a Dementia Friends Session please call Helen on 07976 702171 or email helen@close-communications.com
For details of local Dementia Friends Sessions please visit www.close-communications.com
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