7 Disorienting Holiday Traditions for Seniors with Dementia

Seniors with dementia often have visual and hearing impairment; they are also less sensitive to pain. Their senses are diminished, and they have difficulty with complex tasks and motor coordination. These are all things that need to be considered when involving them in holiday traditions.

Adult children of seniors with dementia should make sure their parents don't get overstimulated because this can lead to confusion, disorientation, and wandering. At the same time, it's nice for seniors to be a part of holiday celebrations and feel the warmth of having their family members around them.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when celebrating the holidays with a senior who has dementia:

1. Avoid Flashing/Twinkling Lights

Although flashing lights might look pretty, they can be disorienting and confusing for someone with dementia. Instead, opt for lights that just stay on.

2. Avoid Too Many Holiday Decorations

Many holiday decorations are lit up, so having too many of these around can overstimulate the senior with dementia during holiday celebrations. This can make them irritable or afraid. Holiday decorations that are understated with less lighting are a better idea. There's no harm in tinsel, wreaths, stockings, etc.

3. Avoid Too Much Noise

During the holidays, many family members might be visiting. This can be enjoyable for the senior with dementia, as long as there isn't too much noise. If there are a lot of children coming, it may be hard to keep the noise level down. Make sure that the senior has a quiet room that they can retreat to in case the noise level gets too high.

4. Try Celebrating Earlier in the Day

Often, seniors with dementia experience sundowning. As the day goes on, they may get more irritable, agitated, confused, etc. It may thus be a better idea to have people over earlier in the day, maybe for lunch.

5. Talk About What They'd Like to Do

Simply communicating with the senior loved one about what holiday traditions are important to them and what they'd like to do is a good idea in and of itself. Maybe they would like to send holiday cards or holiday cookies, in which case someone can help them with these tasks. If they can't go shopping for gifts, someone can sit down with them and purchase gifts online.

6. Play Music, Movies, and Games

A senior with dementia can enjoy the holiday celebrations by playing or singing holiday songs, as long as the music is not too loud. They can also watch holiday movies and play games that are not too loud or complex.

7. Avoid Open Flames

Although a roaring fire with the whole family sitting around it might seem like a good idea, it can be disorienting and even dangerous for someone with dementia. The same goes for candles. When celebrating Hanukkah with a menorah, for example, get an electric one that can be plugged in to avoid any mishaps.

By simply altering holiday traditions a little bit, it becomes safer to involve a senior with dementia in Houston, South Houston, and Harris County in family celebrations. A caregiver from Senior Helpers Central Houston can also help decorate the house in a way that will be safe for a person with dementia. Additionally, the caregiver can help the senior with addressing holiday cards, buying gifts, etc.