Family Holidays

Uneasy silences and uncomfortable small talk can be common for those who visit someone with advanced dementia over the holidays. These visits can feel empty with minimal bonding and lack of meaningful conversations.

As a Dementia Consultant, I’ve witnessed many families and friends struggle when visiting and communicating with someone anytime of the year.  In this article we want to share with you a few simple helpful communication tips just in time for the holidays!

In order to connect, we must first understand dementia’s impact on the brain. Common symptoms include faulty reasoning, problems communicating, personality changes, and memory loss. It’s a list that reads like a perfect storm for hampering social interaction. Whether it’s a grandparent unable to recognize their grandchildren, a friend perplexed at the jokes they once giggled at, or a parent answering questions with mumbled words, dementia’s effects can be isolating and create a daunting feeling of separation during visiting times.

Family Activities

Reminiscing therapy is a great way to bridge that divide. Talking about happy memories from the past can have a positive effect and can also reduce anxiety in the moment. Tapping into these fun memories can shift an individual’s mood, bring a smile to their face, perhaps even prompt a bit of laughter. For example, “Oh, I have to tell you that the other day, I had a flash back to the time when…”

Playing music or singing some familiar songs is another great activity ideas when visiting someone with advanced dementia. Singing verses of old songs including Christmas Carols can surely liven up a visit.  Watch as a sparkle comes to their eyes and the toes start tapping. Enjoy!

Using age-appropriate colouring books can be another fun activity during visiting times that even young children can participate in. When using colouring crayons or markers that are easy to grip, and limiting the colours to a few choices (as too many choices can cause anxiety or frustration), a colouring activity can be a therapeutic way to connect with someone in any stage of dementia.

At the heart of these simple strategies is the basic recognition that people are people despite their symptoms of dementia.  Having a dementia diagnosis doesn’t take away someone’s entire identity—their particular likes and dislikes, or the happy moments from their past. Armed with this understanding, a smile and perhaps some old familiar song and/or a colouring book…every visit becomes an opportunity for joyful connection.

Karen’s latest publication entitled Home Life Memories – A Therapeutic Colouring & Activity Book for Older Adults is now available. Click here to learn more.