Easter is a time when families and friends come together and celebrate. Read our guidance on how to support people living with dementia to be safe and included at Easter and during Lent.
Easter is a very important part of the Christian calendar. It’s a time when Christian people celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, Easter starts on Friday, 3 April 2026 and ends on Monday, 6 April.
Globally, Easter is celebrated at different times and in different ways. For example, in some parts of Eastern Europe people throw water over each other and in parts of the Caribbean people fly kites. If you’re supporting a person with dementia, talk to them about any traditions they have and how these might need to be adapted.
Lent is the 40-day period where people who are Christian fast or give something up to remember Jesus Christ fasting in the desert before the crucifixion.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, and people with dementia who are Catholic will be used to going to church and receiving a cross of ashes on their head.
This is important to bear in mind for the person as they may be confused if these traditions don't happen.
During lent, people who are Christian may choose to give up food or a specific activity, such as watching a certain TV programme. Some denominations, such as people with dementia who are Catholic, will be strict about fasting on Ash Wednesday itself and not eating meat on Fridays for the entire Lenten period.
Bear in mind that the person may need to do things differently from previous years. For example, their GP may advise that they should not fast for medical reasons.
You may also need to remind the person during Lent what they have chosen to give up
Too many changes to a person with dementia’s routine can be confusing and distressing. This year, the clocks will change a week before Easter and this could cause additional confusion and anxiety.
Try to keep activities low-key and meals as close to their usual time as possible. It’s also important to make sure the person gets enough rest and sleep.
Having lots of people in the home at once can be overwhelming so consider arranging visits so there are less people around together.
Take part in activities such as decorating Easter eggs, writing Easter cards or making Easter foods such as simnel cake. If the person with dementia has always enjoyed Easter egg hunts, consider adapting this with brightly coloured eggs in slightly easier locations.
Smells, sounds and flavours may act as a ‘reminiscence tool' for someone with dementia, evoking memories from previous years.
As with many traditions, they can evoke sad memories – for example, of people who have since died - so be aware and prepared to change activities if necessary.
Some churches may offer dementia-friendly services. These may be shorter than normal services, and could have more relaxed rules of conduct.
These may be shorter than normal services and could have more relaxed rules of conduct. This can give families the opportunity to celebrate together and share stories about past Easter services.
If a person is unable to travel, look for ways to celebrate in their own home. This may involve watching Easter celebrations on television or online, for example, or playing hymns they enjoy. Some priests may also be able to visit, for instance to give the person the cross of ashes on their head on Ash Wednesday.
If lots of people come over at once, try to designate one room or space in the home a ‘quiet area’ where your loved one can relax without loud noise.
Some people may want to use headphones to listen to music and block out the noise. This will allow the person with dementia to enjoy the celebrations at their own pace.
There might be more socialising than usual during this time, which may requite a bit of extra consideration. Many Easter celebrations involve specific types of food, from hot cross buns or dyed boiled eggs to a full roast dinner.
Be mindful of what the person usually eats as a full plate could be daunting for someone who has difficulties with eating. If the person does not usually have a plate of food, consider smaller portions or finger foods instead.
We've also got lots more general tips to help with eating and drinking.
Think about minimising situations where the person with dementia is put on the spot to remember names. Consider giving a gentle reminder each time a new person arrives or ask people to introduce themselves. Speaking with family members in advance, especially younger children, may help avoid embarrassing moments.
If the person with dementia is living in a care home, ask the home in advance what their plans are for the Easter weekend. They may have restrictions on visiting times or amount of people allowed at once.
We offer a range of support services for you here at Alzheimer's Society, including our Dementia Support Line.
Dementia Support Line
Sharon
saysAnthony R Alvarez
saysOlivia
saysLeanne
saysKaren Lazarus
saysJeff Marcus
saysSola
saysKatia
saysJayne W
says