Media Release
17 December 2008
Christmas with a loved one living with dementia
Christmas is a time for celebrating with family and friends. It’s a time for buying gifts, preparing special meals, entertaining guests at home and attending Christmas parties. But for people with dementia, it can be a difficult time, especially when reuniting with extended family and friends, some of whom are no longer familiar. Disruption to familiar routines, unfamiliar environments and lack of regular support services can also be stressful for people with dementia. Offer reassurance People with dementia enjoy routines, so Christmas Day and holidays can be an unsettling time. Some people with dementia may become confused, upset or even aggressive, so spend some time listening to them, explaining things to them and offering them re-assurance. Wandering Wandering can be one of the biggest problems associated with dementia. At a busy time like Christmas it’s easy for a person to leave the house unnoticed. So keep front doors or side gates locked leading onto busy roads. Alternatively, asign a member of the family to be a buddy and accompany them if they want to take a walk outside. Remembering names Make sure you introduce yourself by name and remind the relative with dementia of your name and your connection to them from time to time, if they are having trouble remembering. Conversation The ability to communicate varies, depending on the degree of dementia. If conversation is difficult, giving a hug, or holding their hand can be a good alternative way of communicating. Keep the conversation light, and try not to talk to the person as though they were a child as this can be frustrating for them. Anxiety Some people with dementia can become anxious in a noisy or crowded environment. Make sure your friend or relative is comfortable by finding them a quieter area with enough space. Food Offer a moderate amount of food if your guest has difficulty with eating. Safety Remove rugs, toys or clutter from the floor or stairs. Lock away any dangerous medicines, cleaning products, paints or anything else that could be potentially dangerous.
For visitors Talk to their usual carer before they visit to find out what their needs are. They may need to take medicine, or have special eating needs, etc Make sure their keys, wallet, handbag and other important items are kept in a safe place. Leave a night light on in the bedroom and a light on in the hall and bathroom, so they can find their way around at night time. It might also be a good idea to label doors if the house is unfamiliar. Remember to keep doors and windows locked, particularly at night, to protect your visitor from wandering. Find out what activities they enjoy doing and involve them in day-to-day activities like cooking, walking, swimming, etc. Also, allow some quiet time during the day.
For general information visit www.alzheimers.org.au or call the National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500 Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is the peak body for people with dementia and their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. Currently 220,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to double by 2030, taking more lives than cancer or heart disease. -endsMedia enquiries Lisa Stallard, Media Adviser Ph: (02) 8875 4674, Mobile: 0403 613 654 Andrew Mills, Manager – Marketing and Communications Ph: (02) 8875 4650, Mobile: 0409 240 990