3 minute read
Clifden House
COVID, CHrISTmaS anD Care
Supporting from a distance
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We write this as hopeful news comes to us of progress in the fight against COVID-19 with possible new effective vaccines and, perhaps, finally light at the end of the tunnel for all those currently experiencing Lockdown#2. For us at Clifden House, precautionary lockdowns are likely to be a feature of our day to day lives for some time to come. In the meantime, a rather different Christmas approaches, but we continue to maintain routine whilst still enjoying this festive season and the benefits it can bring, along with making sure everyone feels loved and cared for, residents and staff alike.
We speak to our families on a regular basis, and Christmas is no different, but during COVID we have been ensuring that we keep in contact with families who have been unable to see their families in our home. It is important to let families know what we have planned, what changes may affect the usual routine. If you are caring for individuals with dementia in the community this year, here are some recommendations to help you.
Changes to routine
Try and keep things as close to the usual routine as usual, and plan ahead for any changes, asking friends or neighbours for help.
If the person with dementia is taking any medication, ensure that they have enough to get through the festive period. Remember that getting repeat prescriptions may be difficult during public holidays, and even more so during the pandemic so try and plan in advance.
If your house becomes busy on Christmas day, it may be helpful to have a quiet area for the person, although during COVID-19 this might be easier to manage!
Festive memories
For a person with dementia, Christmas can be overwhelming, so try to involve them with some memories. Look at old photos to bring back the past, as well as involving them with some of their favourite yuletide activities, such as baking cookies or decorating the tree with their favourite decorations that have special meaning.
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l Music is one of those memories that is first to form and last to leave and even if the person has trouble speaking, they may be able to hum along. Play their favourite Christmas tune or traditional songs.
Perhaps ask about their happy Christmas memories or dig out some old photos.
Let the person with dementia guide you, you don’t have to stick to a tradition just for the sake of it, instead accept that things may look a little different this year.
Christmas food and drink
For many people this is a special part of Christmas. The person with dementia may be used to cooking, but no longer able to take on that responsibility. For people in the later stages of dementia, eating and drinking can be challenging.
Pigs in blankets, stuffing, Yorkshire puds, even Brussel sprouts – a Christmas dinner is a truly wonderful thing, but all those extras soon add up to a mountainous plate of food. Bear in mind that a heaving plate can be daunting for someone who may have difficulties eating. The individual may also feel self-conscious at a large dinner table, so avoid making them the centre of attention.
Most of all, and after such a trying and stressful year, we wish you all a merry and enjoyable Christmas, and let us all hope for a bright and positive 2021 as the perfect Christmas gift.
Clifden House Dementia Care Centre has been delivering exceptional residential and respite care for 50 years. It aims to maximise each individual’s potential through choice, reducing the use of unnecessary medication and alleviating the symptoms of dementia in a caring and supportive environment.
