Christmas decorating safety tips for people with dementia
December is fast approaching, which means we’ll be getting up into our lofts or digging into the backs of our cupboards for all those Christmas decorations that have been stored away since last year.
Decorating the tree and the rest of the house is a bit of a tradition among some families at Christmas and putting up the sparkling lights can really kick off the festive season, however if you’re decorating this year with an elderly relative who has dementia, there are some safety risks that can be posed. We’ve put together some top tips so your elderly loved-one stays safe:
Avoid flashing lights
Twinkling and flashing lights are very popular at Christmas, but they can be disorientating for someone with dementia, so it’s best to stick to ones that stay on and don’t blink or flash. You could even stick to lights that are all one colour too.
Don’t obstruct pathways
Often at this time of year we can have Christmas tree pots, mats, presents and even extension leads obstructing our pathways and for people in general these can be trip hazards, but they are even more dangerous for elderly people and people with dementia.
Obstructions can cause unbalance in someone with dementia so they need a clear path at all times. Move any items causing problems and tape down leads or decorations so they’re secure. We’ve put together some general home safety advice for the elderly here.
Avoid animated and noisy Christmas decorations/ornaments
Animated and singing decorations and ornaments can be good fun, but for someone with dementia they can be loud and frightening. Lots of noise can lead to agitation, so stick to decorations and ornaments that are neutral, quiet and aren’t too big.
Avoid candles
At this time of year there is a desire to light festive candles, but they can be a hazard among elderly people and those with dementia, so replace tealights or candles with electric or battery operated ones. You can read our general fire safety advice for the elderly here.
When decorating the tree or the house, you should pay attention to your loved-one’s reactions to lights, colours and decorations in general. The festive period can sometimes be overwhelming for someone with dementia, so it is a good idea to create a quiet place for them to go when things get a bit too much.
If you’re loved-one is keen to help out with the decorating then seeing old decorations can often help with prompting memories in someone with dementia. Distinctive smells can also help so try popping out a stick of cinnamon, a scent spray or even try baking mince pies in the oven.
