Keeping People with Dementia Safe Over Christmas: Practical Tips for a Calm, Joyful Season
We can hold your hand every step of the way.
Christmas is a wonderful time of year—filled with family, familiar traditions, and cosy moments. But for people living with dementia, the festive season can also bring challenges: busier homes, unusual routines, loud gatherings, flashing lights, and general overstimulation.
At ENA Care Group, our highly trained live-in carers support people with dementia every day to stay safe, comfortable, and calm—especially during busy periods like Christmas. With a little planning, the holidays can still be meaningful, enjoyable, and reassuring for everyone involved.
Here are some essential ways to keep people with dementia safe over the festive season.
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Keep the Routine as Familiar as Possible
People with dementia often rely on consistent routines to feel safe and grounded. Christmas brings lots of changes, but you can help by:
Keeping meal times the same
Having regular wake-up and bedtime routines
Planning quiet periods during the day
Avoiding too many events or long outings
Maintaining predictability reduces anxiety and helps prevent agitation or confusion.
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Be Mindful With Decorations
Festive decorations are lovely—but some can be confusing or distressing.
Keep decorations dementia-friendly by choosing:
Warm, steady lights instead of flashing lights
Simple décor without overwhelming patterns
Clear walkways without clutter
Christmas trees positioned safely away from exits
Avoid fake presents on the floor, tinsel near heaters, and anything sharp or fragile within reach.
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Manage Visitors and Noise Levels
Christmas gatherings can be overwhelming. Too many people talking at once can cause distress.
To help:
Introduce guests slowly, one or two at a time
Encourage calm, quiet spaces for reassurance
Ask family to approach gently and speak clearly
Plan smaller, shorter visits rather than big events
A relaxed environment supports emotional well-being and helps avoid sensory overload.
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Support Safe Eating and Drinking
Festive meals can come with risks such as choking, confusion, or poor hydration.
Helpful tips include:
Offering familiar foods alongside Christmas dishes
Cutting food into safe portions
Avoiding mixed textures that may cause choking
Encouraging regular drinks throughout the day
Keeping alcohol intake to a minimum
Carers should also monitor for signs of swallowing difficulty or fatigue.
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Reduce Fire and Burn Risks
Christmas involves candles, cooking, and increased electrical use—things that can be dangerous for someone living with dementia.
Keep them safe by:
Never leaving them unsupervised near open flames
Using battery-powered candles instead of real ones
Keeping pan handles turned inward
Installing working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
Regularly checking Christmas lights for safety
A little extra vigilance goes a long way.
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Prepare for Wandering or Disorientation
Busy environments can increase confusion, especially in an unfamiliar house.
Safety steps include:
Keeping doors secure
Using visual cues like signs on bathrooms or bedrooms
Making sure the person always has ID
Keeping a recent photo on hand
Encouraging supervised outdoor walks for fresh air
A predictable environment helps reduce the risk of wandering.
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Look After Yourself Too
Caring at Christmas can be emotional and exhausting. Taking breaks, sharing tasks, and asking for support ensures you can give your loved one the calm, patient care they need.
Our ENA Care Group live-in carers offer professional, compassionate support throughout Christmas and beyond—providing peace of mind for families while ensuring the person with dementia enjoys safety, comfort, and companionship at home.
How ENA Care Group Supports People with Dementia at Home
Our dementia-trained carers provide:
24/7 reassurance and companionship
Medication support
Safe mobility assistance
Help with routines, meals, and personal care
Behavioural and emotional support
Specialist dementia techniques such as validation and redirection
Calm festive planning tailored to each person’s needs
We help families enjoy Christmas knowing that their loved one is safe, supported, and gently cared for.
If you need dementia support, we’re here to help.
📞 01707 333700
📧 care@ena.co.uk
🌐 www.ena.co.uk
