The holidays are a special time to gather with loved ones, and for families with elderly relatives, bringing them home from a nursing facility can make the season even more meaningful.
However, ensuring that your home is safe, comfortable, and supportive for individuals with dementia can take a little bit of extra effort. A thoughtful, dementia-friendly home environment can reduce stress, promote comfort, and help your loved one feel more engaged during holiday celebrations. These practical tips will help make your home dementia-friendly so everyone can enjoy the holidays together.
Why a Dementia-Friendly Home Environment Matters
Individuals with dementia often experience confusion, memory loss, and sensory challenges that can make new or busy environments overwhelming. Creating a dementia-friendly home environment helps reduce these stressors, allowing your loved one to feel more secure and at ease. Whether you are bringing a family member home from a nursing facility or accommodating them for a few hours, small adjustments can make a big difference in their holiday experience.
Tips for Creating a Dementia-Friendly Home Environment
1. Simplify Holiday Decorations
Choose decorations that are familiar and not overly stimulating. Avoid blinking lights, moving objects, or loud holiday music that could confuse or distress your loved one.
Keep pathways clear of decorations to prevent falls.
Decorating with familiar items can also spark happy memories and encourage conversation, helping your loved one feel connected to the festivities.
2. Create a Safe and Comfortable Space
Remove rugs, cords, and clutter to prevent tripping. Install nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to improve visibility at night.
Be sure to lock away cleaning supplies, medications, and sharp objects to ensure safety not only for your elderly loved ones but this is also a smart tip for children who are visiting and love to explore new places.
These safety measures will give everyone peace of mind and reduce the chance of accidents, especially in an unfamiliar environment.
3. Stick to Familiar Routines
Keep regular mealtimes and bedtime routines to provide a sense of stability. If you don't know already, ask the nursing home for your loved ones' meal times and bedtimes so that you can keep that schedule at home for your loved ones. Sticking to familiar routines helps reduce confusion and anxiety, which can arise when schedules become unpredictable during the holidays.
Avoid overcrowding the schedule with too many activities or visitors in one day. It is important that there is time for rest, especially if your loved one tires easily.
4. Set Up a Quiet Room or Rest Area
Designate a calm space where your loved one can retreat if the festivities become overwhelming.
In the room, provide comfortable seating, soft blankets, and soothing music or familiar objects.
It is important to limit visual and auditory stimulation in this space to promote relaxation.
This dedicated, quiet area offers a safe retreat where your loved one can recharge if they begin to feel overstimulated.
5. Encourage Meaningful Participation
Involve your loved one in simple holiday activities they enjoy, such as setting the table or decorating cookies. By providing familiar tasks that match their abilities, it helps to promote independence and a sense of accomplishment.
Everyone loves walking down memory lane. Reminisce about past holidays together, using photo albums or familiar holiday traditions to spark memories.
Meaningful participation allows individuals with dementia to stay connected and feel included, making the holiday more enjoyable for everyone and helping to create new memories for family members.
Preparing for a Visit Home from a Nursing Facility
Bringing an elderly loved one home from a nursing facility for the holidays requires extra care.
Communicate with the care team in advance of the visit. Speak with the nursing staff about your loved one’s current needs, medication schedule, and any special requirements.
Be sure to plan ahead for mobility needs. Take a walk around your house and ensure the home is accessible if your loved one uses a walker or wheelchair. Do this both inside and outside of the home.
Pay special attention to your loved one and monitor their emotional and physical well-being: Keep an eye out for signs of fatigue, confusion, or distress, and adjust plans if necessary.
Communicate all of this with loved ones who live in the home or who will be visiting during the time your elderly family member will be visiting, too. With thoughtful preparation, your loved one can feel welcomed and safe while enjoying time at home with family during the holidays.
Making the Holidays Special with a Dementia-Friendly Home Environment
Creating a dementia-friendly home environment helps ensure that holiday celebrations are enjoyable and comfortable for everyone. With a little planning and care, your family can make the holidays truly special, fostering connection and love in an environment that supports your loved one’s unique needs.
Happy Holidays!