{"id":2950,"date":"2020-12-22T22:35:44","date_gmt":"2020-12-22T11:35:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/?p=2950"},"modified":"2025-02-20T21:24:00","modified_gmt":"2025-02-20T10:24:00","slug":"8-top-tips-for-a-dementia-friendly-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/?p=2950","title":{"rendered":"8 Top Tips For A Dementia-Friendly Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><em>By Kirsty Porter<br \/>CEO, Umbrella Dementia Caf\u00e9s<\/em><\/p>\n<p>For many of us, a dementia-friendly Christmas can be tricky and requires family members to understand how to include and connect with loved ones living with dementia. \u00a0After hosting over 300 dementia caf\u00e9s we&#8217;ve learnt some effective strategies when supporting your loved one with dementia in a socially setting. So, here are 8 quick simple strategies to help you and your family this Christmas season.<\/p>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote is-style-default\"><blockquote><p>How can we make sure Mum and Dad have a nice time on Christmas day?<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. <strong><strong>The size of the group<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People living with dementia have heightened sensors, particularly with noise levels. Noises coming from all directions in a room can cause a great deal of anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Keep the family group small.<\/li><li>Move to an outside environment.<\/li><li>Minimal background noises or across-the-room conversations.<\/li><li>Areas created for 1:1 conversation &amp; activities (looking at old photos).<\/li><li>Reduce room echo with soft furnishings.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"651\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_3604-1-scaled-e1608637188858-1024x651.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2953 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_3604-1-scaled-e1608637188858-1024x651.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_3604-1-scaled-e1608637188858-600x381.jpg 600w, https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_3604-1-scaled-e1608637188858-300x191.jpg 300w, https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_3604-1-scaled-e1608637188858-768x488.jpg 768w, https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_3604-1-scaled-e1608637188858-1536x976.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/IMG_3604-1-scaled-e1608637188858.jpg 2003w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/651;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <strong>It\u2019s all about timing.<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Routine and timing is important, especially if you can\u2019t avoid a larger family lunch or dinner. It\u2019s important to arrange arrival and eating times best suited for the person living with dementia and ensure the time you sit down to eat is consistent with any other day. Maintaining a daily routine can minimise anxiety and agitation, especially if feelings of hunger are difficult to communicate or recognise. Finally, celebrate the after-meal snooze in a quiet adjoining room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. <strong><strong>Inclusion means focusing on current abilities<\/strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To maintain meaningful social and loving relationships, incorporate engaging activities that match the current ability levels for you\u2019re the person experiencing dementia. Empower them by using inclusion in important jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Help with the food preparation.<\/li><li><span style=\"color: initial;\">Don\u2019t underestimate the opportunity to set the table together, the sense of pride and sense of inclusion can\u2019t be underestimated.&nbsp;<\/span><\/li><li>Wear name tags \u2013 keeping them fun and be light-hearted about the name tags.<\/li><li>Help choose the music and consider using a familiar music device such as a record player.<\/li><li>Wash the dishes together.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>What can mum or dad do today, not what can\u2019t they do?<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Excluding someone&nbsp;because of their limitations will only cause stress, confusion and an innate sense of loss.&nbsp;&nbsp;Alternatively, being a part of the cooking process, such as peeling or washing vegetables, is a valuable and supportive family inclusion activity.&nbsp;&nbsp; It maximises feelings of independence, which is important for inclusion and a sense of belonging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image is-style-rounded\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-medium\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Grandma-Potatoes-1-scaled-e1608637287235-556x600.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2928 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 556px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 556\/600;\" \/><figcaption>Image: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, be flexible and patient.&nbsp;&nbsp;As people progress through dementia symptoms uniquely, communicate with the family about mum or dad&#8217;s individual responses to different activities, be patient and adapt quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. <strong>Moods are contagious<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People living with dementia have a wonderfully unique and uncanny tendency to \u2018feel the room\u2019 \u2013 this is called emotional contagion. Emotional contagion is when emotions are transferred between people in confined spaces, and it is quite amazing to see people living with dementia accept or reject a space based on this concept.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look at the room objectively and consider;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Reducing clutter.\u00a0<\/li><li>Increasing reminiscent or tactile objects.<\/li><li>Recognisable or reduced background music or smells.<\/li><li>Calm conversations.<\/li><li>Contrasting colours.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the room is inviting, loving and familiar then you\u2019ll probably be happy to move around it too. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. <strong>The \u2018Here &amp; Now\u2019 space<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u2018Here &amp; Now\u2019 space is an essential quiet environment for anyone who needs a&nbsp;break from the chaos of family and to be just in the moment. Set aside a single-focused-environment where one or two family members can sit together in a quiet calm area of the house enjoying ONE, just one activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-medium is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/red-chair-1-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2931 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 600px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 600\/400;\" \/><figcaption>Image: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For someone living with dementia including a Here &amp; Now space is crucial. Be 100% clear about what&nbsp;<em>one thing<\/em>&nbsp;the space is intended for: music, reading, looking at reminiscing objects or enjoying a cuppa.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want more on creative positive environments for people with dementia, check out the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.scie.org.uk\/dementia\/supporting-people-with-dementia\/dementia-friendly-environments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Social Care Institute for Excellence.<\/a>&nbsp;They have brilliant videos to show you how to improve home environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. The Table<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key here is CONTRAST! For people living with dementia, the perception of depth can be affected, so having contrasting objects is important to identify what is on the table. If food is not easily defined, it is likely to not be eaten for fear of not knowing what it is.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Use a bright block coloured tablecloth if you have white serving dishes.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Platter is a contrasting colour with the food on it, for example mash potato wouldn\u2019t go in a white bowl. If the food is unrecognisable, it\u2019s unlikely to be a preferred choice.<\/li><li>Keep sauces separate. Don\u2019t change the look of the food with sauces draped on top. <\/li><li>Where possible, allow for autonomy when selecting food. It\u2019s a real pleasure to serve yourself and doubles as a fantastic socialising experience.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s very important you consider the contrasts on the table and ensuring the food on the serving dish is recognisable and contrast with the food.&nbsp; Patience is key here. Lastly, don\u2019t underestimate the opportunity to set the table together, stories will come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/IMG_0336-959x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"1225\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/IMG_0336.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/img_0336\/\" class=\"wp-image-1225 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 959px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 959\/1024;\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">Food is clearly defined using block colours<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/christmas-table-2-1-1024x671.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"2934\" data-full-url=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/christmas-table-2-1.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/christmas-table-2\/\" class=\"wp-image-2934 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/671;\" \/><figcaption class=\"blocks-gallery-item__caption\">The plate and cups are clearly recognisable<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. <strong>Appropriate Conversation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In our experience, people living with dementia want to be part of the conversation and feel included.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Use the \u2018Zoom\u2019 call analogy where everyone takes turns in talking and listening.<\/li><li>use encouraging language for someone living with dementia to speak, be patient and validate the conversation.<\/li><li>One-on-one conversation \u2013 stick to older memories, stories or hobbies.<\/li><li>Go for a walk to the buffet table together.<\/li><li>Use a familiar object to inspire a conversation.<\/li><li>Gently remind other family members of dementia-friendly communication strategies.<\/li><li>Begin conversations with leading questions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to be aware that a major&nbsp;<em>faux par<\/em>&nbsp;when chatting with someone living with dementia is, \u201cDo you remember..?\u201d. It\u2019s very upsetting if you truly couldn\u2019t remember. Instead, ask, \u2018do you recall..?\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly, my big tip when chatting with someone with dementia is, never ever start with \u201cDo you remember..?\u201d.&nbsp;&nbsp;Can you imagine how upsetting this would be if you truly couldn\u2019t remember?&nbsp;&nbsp;If someone asked me that question about my own life events, I know I\u2019d be a bit cranky.&nbsp;&nbsp;Instead, use the word \u2018recall\u2019 or influence a story by showing photos, playing with familiar objects, enjoying a 1:1 activity or begin conversations with leading questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>8. Exchanging gifts<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Can exchanging gifts really be a calm experience?&nbsp;&nbsp;Provided you are aware and mitigate&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/study.com\/academy\/lesson\/negative-body-language-examples-signs.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">negative non-verbal reactions<\/a>, it can be a hugely enjoyable experience.&nbsp;&nbsp;The noise levels are super important with this part of the day and be patient with each other as you open presents.&nbsp;&nbsp;No matter how old you are or what cognitive changes you live with, opening presents is a very nostalgic experience and should be enjoyed with a healthy dose of laughter (especially that of children), a little bit of mess and lots of love.&nbsp;&nbsp;Of course, 1:1 time exchanging gifts can be an incredible bonding experience too; I personally recommend this top tip for a more intimate experience \u2013 it\u2019s worth its weight in gold.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>Ultimately, and above all, share the care, keep it simple and focus on the love.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Merry Christmas to you all! <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">On behalf of everyone at Umbrella Dementia Caf\u00e9s <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">we wish you a happy festive season with much love and laughter. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">May 2022 be a year of happy connections.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-rounded\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/63-edited.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3248 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><figcaption>My dear Grandma and my two daughters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/bermuda-message-sent-e1608638334389.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2669 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:23px\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Share in the Christmas spirit this year and add your own top tips below. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" style=\"font-size:23px\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">Your tip might just be the one idea someone is really looking for.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-heading\"><strong>About the author<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-right wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Kirsty is a Registered Nurse, Founder and CEO of the Umbrella Dementia Caf\u00e9s. After successfully hosting her first caf\u00e9 sessions in 2016, she saw a massive need to create social groups for families experiencing&nbsp;dementia.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kirsty now leads a team who support four dementia caf\u00e9 locations, together facilitating over 310 caf\u00e9s both face to face and online.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-left wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:17px\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-luminous-vivid-orange-color\">If you are interested in attending one of our caf\u00e9s or want to buy a coffee for someone living with dementia, check out our happy site.<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center wp-block-heading\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.UmbrellaDementiaCafes.com.au\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.UmbrellaDementiaCafes.com.au<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-style-default\"><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/stock-vector-people-on-white-background-concept-of-big-family-network-community-613695341-1-1024x216.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-2710 lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/216;\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>For many of us, a dementia-friendly Christmas can be tricky and requires family members to understand how to include and connect with loved ones living with dementia.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":10764,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"image","meta":{"wds_primary_category":133,"footnotes":""},"categories":[133],"tags":[85,74,95,97,121,77,112,113,78,98,100,101],"class_list":["post-2950","post","type-post","status-publish","format-image","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-helpful-resources","tag-aged-care","tag-alzheimers","tag-awareness","tag-children","tag-christmas","tag-dementia","tag-dementia-home","tag-dementia-friendly","tag-family","tag-fear","tag-innovation","tag-inspiration","post_format-post-format-image"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2950","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2950"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2950\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/10764"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2950"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2950"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/umbrelladementiacafes.com.au\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2950"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}