6 ideas for a dementia-friendly Chanukah

Chanukah is a time for fun within Jewish communities. Family and friends gather together to celebrate this annual Feast of Dedication.

This eight-day thanksgiving is an important time within the Hebrew calendar. It carries with it many traditions enjoyed by all ages, including people with dementia. Here are some ways to provide support this Chanukah.

6 ideas for a dementia-friendly Chanukah

1. Include traditional activities that could heighten the senses

Take part in activities such as lighting the menorah, holding and spinning the dreidel, singing songs and eating Chanukah foods.

Smells, sounds and flavours may act as a ‘reminiscence tool' for someone with dementia, evoking memories from previous years.  They may have happy memories of spinning the dreidel as a child, or watching older members of the family lighting the menorah each day.

These traditions can evoke sad or unpleasant memories for some people, so be aware and prepared to change activities if necessary.

2. Explore opportunities of enjoying a dementia-friendly service

Some Jewish community centres or synagogues might offer dementia-friendly services. These may be shorter than normal services, and could have more relaxed rules of conduct. It may also provide an opportunity for loved ones with dementia to hear older Chanukah songs that younger family members may not know.

In Jewish areas, public candle-lighting ceremonies often take place. This might be a nice activity to consider taking part in. 

If a person is unable to travel to any events or services, it can be helpful to look at ways of celebrating in their own home instead. This may involve watching Chanukah celebrations on television or online, for example, and playing music for them that they will enjoy.

3. Be conscious of making changes to familiar environments

Vision and perception can sometimes be affected by dementia. The person may become confused or anxious if there are significant changes to a familiar environment, particularly if there are lots of visitors.

Make gradual changes to the space, such as furniture layout, to avoid confusion or stress.  It may be beneficial to talk about how certain items relate to the celebrations, such as the menorah and why the candles are lit over the eight-day period. You may need to remind them on each lighting.

4. Keep plans relaxed and allow for breaks

While having a planned structure can be helpful, it’s important to be flexible in the way you celebrate.

People with dementia may tire sooner or may wish to leave earlier than previous years. Be mindful of their changing levels of comfort.

Ensure a person with dementia has the opportunity to take a break from noise or conversations if they need a quiet space.

5. Encourage eating small amounts of traditional foods, rather than big meals

A person with dementia may feel overwhelmed when presented with a lot of food. Offer manageable servings of traditional treats. This could include potato latkes (crispy fried pancakes) with applesauce or sour cream, or sufganiyot (small donuts).

If there are lots of distractions, a person with dementia may need gentle reminders to eat or drink.

6. Talk to family and friends about conversation tips

Try to avoid situations where the person with dementia is put on the spot to remember names. It can be useful to give a gentle reminder each time a new person arrives or ask that people introduce themselves.

Speaking with family members in advance, especially younger children, may help avoid embarrassing moments for someone with dementia.

• Learn about dementia-friendly faith groups, and how faith can play a vital role in the lives and wellbeing of people living with and affected by dementia.

Chanukah Sameach! (Happy Chanukah!)

This article was first published in 2018 and was most recently updated in October 2023.