FOR many of us spending time with our friends and family is the best part of Christmas.

But for those whose loved ones suffer from dementia helping them enjoy the festive season may be a struggle.

So Mike Dearn, manager of Perry Manor care home in Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, has issued some valuable advice for helping people suffering with the condition to enjoy the holidays as much as everyone else.

“At this time of year, we understand family carers may appreciate a little help and support to capture the magic of the season, as well as some inspiration on how to make the most of every opportunity to connect with loved ones throughout the festivities,” he said.

“We have therefore put together some top tips which we hope will help evoke precious memories, while also creating shared experiences and new memories, making this Christmas a time of celebration and joy for everyone.”

• Help them get involved.

Where possible, involve people with dementia in preparations for the Christmas festivities such as wrapping presents or decorating a tree. This will help them feel part of the celebrations, retain some personal independence and feel as though they have a role to play as well as give them a great sense of self-achievement and may improve their mood.

• Take a trip down memory lane.

Dealing with the loss of memories can be a very frustrating part of living with dementia. Try asking loved ones questions about how they used to celebrate Christmas. You could then try to recreate some of these traditions to encourage a sense of comforting nostalgia, or perhaps make a Christmas memory box together to store their memories and help with reminiscence.

• Countdown to Christmas.

It is not uncommon for a person living with dementia to be full of joy for Christmas one day but have no idea what time of year it is the next. An advent calendar is a good way of giving them a daily reminder of the time of year and also helps to build up excitement and anticipation of the day itself.

• Keep the Christmas spirit alive.

Music is incredibly powerful in evoking memories, raising cheer and bringing people together, so what better way to get into the Christmas spirit and connect with loved ones than carol singing. Many people living with dementia can recall favourite tunes from years ago, so why not gather the family and enjoy a Christmas sing-a-long.

• Lower stress, raise joy.

Repetition may seem tedious to the rest of us but it can often be reassuring to someone with memory problems. You could get crafty and make Christmas decorations – the simple action of repeatedly putting cloves into an orange can conjure up feelings of accomplishment and pride. Or try threading popcorn, dried fruit and cinnamon sticks onto string. The decorations can then be hung around the home where they will not only look festive but their scent may evoke calming, happy memories.

• Just have fun.

Christmas is a time for fun and laughter and doesn’t have to be stressful or complicated. There are a number of games and activities which can be played to stimulate minds and, if possible, get people living with dementia moving such as ‘pin the nose on Rudolph the reindeer’. Velcro can be used instead of a pin and the game can be made portable for those unable to stand – a great way to employ fine motor skills.

• Get in touch with nature.

Access to nature and animals can play a key role in unlocking memories, restoring a sense of wellbeing and providing a calming effect for people living with dementia. You could create a bird feeding station in the garden and top it up daily with treats to encourage local wildlife to visit. For those who can’t easily make their way outside, sitting quietly by a window with a hot chocolate watching the birds come and go can provide just as much enjoyment.

Most importantly, enjoy the festivities with those closest to you.