A dementia-friendly Christmas | Alzheimer's Society

A dementia-friendly Christmas

A dementia-friendly Christmas

We’ve gathered together information and advice from people affected by dementia, about changes they’ve made to help create a dementia-friendly Christmas.

Dementia can cause a lot of changes in your life – including how you celebrate Christmas. We wanted to hear from people with dementia to find out how they experienced the festive season.

The members of Ashford Dementia Support Group got together to talk about the very real difficulties that they can face at Christmastime: from the noise and confusion of parties, to feelings of exclusion during the festive preparations.

Using their words, we’ve created a short animated poem to get that vital message across.

Find out more about how dementia can affect the festivities, with advice, real stories, and support.

‘During Christmas we try to avoid too many things going on at once’ - Sue’s story

Sue’s mum Margaret is 90, she was diagnosed with vascular dementia six years ago. Here Sue discusses her current situation, caring for Margaret. She also offers her experience and advice on looking after a loved one with dementia during Christmas.

4 challenges people affected by dementia face at Christmas (and how to overcome them)

We asked people affected by dementia to tell us how they make the festive season easier. Read our article to get their advice in their own words.

Keeping loved ones with dementia involved during Christmas - Caryl's Story

Over the past 5 years, Caryl and her family's lives have changed dramatically, caring for three loved ones, each having dementia-related issues. Caryl shares her experience of caring for family members with dementia during Christmas.

How to support somebody with dementia at Christmas

Christmas means many things to many people—typically a time for food, family and festivities. But for people affected by dementia it can be more difficult.

Your answers: celebrating together

Talking Point online community members share advice about helping everyone, including a person with dementia, feel involved in Christmas and other festivities.

Carers tips: Christmas plans

From Dementia Together magazine, carers share advice and personal stories on including a person with dementia over the festive period.

How to have a dementia-friendly Chanukah

A traditional religious festival provides an opportunity for family and friends to celebrate together. Here we provide guidance to support those living with dementia at Chanukah, also known as Hanukkah.

Coping at Christmas after the loss of a loved one

The first Christmas after losing someone you love is likely to be the most difficult, and grieving a person with dementia can feel like the final loss of many.

Festivities and celebrations

Read all of our articles on how to help people affected by dementia during festivities and celebrations like Christmas.

What to buy someone living with dementia at Christmas

Not sure what gift or present to buy someone living with dementia? Our guide may help.

Our festive animation – and the people with dementia who wrote it

This Christmas we worked with a group of people affected by dementia to create an animated festive poem. Here, some of the group involved share their thoughts and hopes for the animation. You can also read the poem in full.

National Dementia Helpline

Our helpline advisers are here for you.

Talking Point

Online community

Visit our online community to get advice, share experiences, connect.

Find services for people affected by dementia near you