The festive season can be a heartwarming time, full of nostalgia and catching up, but for families supporting someone with dementia or other complex conditions, it can also bring a mix of emotions and difficulty managing time. Between the increasing visitors and changes of routine, it’s easy for all to become overwhelmed.
Dementia and Christmas
With a recent survey discovering that 92% of people in the UK celebrate Christmas, there’s no doubt that hundreds of thousands of people will travel from all over the world to come together during the festivities. As you and your family gather from all corners of the UK and beyond, the NHS has highlighted the common early symptoms to look out for in your loved ones:
- Emotional changes, like irritability
- Forgetfulness
- Struggling to follow a conversation or frequently zoning out
- Being confused about time and place
That’s why the most meaningful gifts aren’t always the ones wrapped in patterned paper. They’re the ones that bring comfort, connection and companionship.
At Sova Healthcare, our home and live-in care specialists understand how the little moments make all the difference. Here are some thoughtful Christmas gift ideas for people living with dementia in the UK, each chosen to help nurture calm and share togetherness.
Why it’s essential to choose the right gift
It’s important to choose the right gift for someone with dementia, as it’s not about spending more but opting for something that feels familiar and soothing. This means any presents that appeal to the senses or encourage gentle activity are beneficial, as Alzheimer’s Society states, as they help with coordination and balance, improve sleep quality, and potentially reduce the risks of falls.
On top of this, any gifts that aid the routine or bring comfort can be highly beneficial to their everyday life, beyond Christmas. The most important part to consider is how the gift makes them feel, knowing know they’re secure, included and loved.
The Gift List
Every moment of joy and laughter shared is a gift in itself. But it doesn’t stop us wanting to get our favourite people a little something! Here’s our gift guide for people with dementia, ranging from soothing sensory ideas to physical experiences.
Sensory and Comfort
Soothing textures and familiar scents create a calm environment and ease anxiety, while gifting their favourite foods or sweet treats can ignite certain memories.
- Weighted blankets or soft throws provide a sense of security and comfort.
- Aromatherapy diffusers and candles with gentle scents can be relaxing (make sure open flames are always supervised).
- Favourite foods or homemade treats using familiar recipes can evoke happy memories.
- Gardening gifts like seed kits or potted herbs engage the senses of smell and touch, and the maintenance means they can be enjoyed well into the spring and summer.
- Soft toys can be soothing for those who find reassurance through touch, whether it’s a plush toy or a knitted doll.
Homeware stores are the best to find the majority of these Christmas gifts, but if you want custom items, you can look at marketplaces with independent sellers, like Etsy.
Memory
Nostalgia can be a precious gift for someone living with dementia. Any memories that people with dementia may remember are said to improve their self-esteem, optimism and connection, according to research from the University of Bath. Reminiscence gifts can help piece stories together and create moments of recognition to bring the past and present together.
- Photo albums or memory albums filled with family pictures, postcards or souvenirs from travels.
- Digital photo frames that play slideshows of familiar faces or favourite places.
- Keepsake scrapbooks can be built together over time, which is a thoughtful gift where the process of building it is as much of a gift as the book itself.
Bookshops and craft shops are ideal for finding suitable scrapbooks, and there are multiple high street options for printing photos, such as Boots, Max Spielmann or Snappy Snaps.
Experiences
Sometimes, the best presents don’t fit under the tree but include sitting in a chair next to them. In-person experiences can lift spirits and build connections without any overwhelming stimulations. Having a specialist home carer to join in with these experiences means that family members can focus on enjoying the moment.
- Quiet tea rooms or local cafes can be a calm, familiar outing and an excuse for a sweet treat.
- Christmas hampers can be enjoyed together at home, with some gift sets ready-made from most supermarkets, or you can build one yourself.
- Visits to familiar places like churches, flower gardens, or landmarks that hold meaning can be a rewarding experience for all, sharing stories from years ago.
Data from YouGov shared that 35% of the UK public said that spending time with loved ones was their favourite thing about Christmas. Quality time can’t be bought and should be cherished.
Activity
Keeping hands and minds gently engaged supports wellbeing and avoids overstimulation. Explore our collection of games for people with dementia for more inspiration.
- Anything gentle is always beneficial, such as new gardening tools, binoculars or books for birdwatching, or even a putting mat for golf enthusiasts.
- Crafts are always a winner, as they’re naturally slower and mindful, meaning that paints, pens or knitting can help calm the mind.
- Small group activity gifts that focus on inclusion rather than performance, like jigsaws, bingo, or sensory boards, can encourage purpose and self-reliance.
Anything slightly slower that avoids surprises and overcrowding means everyone can have a fun, relaxing time.
Practical and Everyday
Any gift that makes life easier is appreciated by people with dementia, and it still shows deep care.
- Adaptive clothing, like the range from The Able Label, is designed to make getting dressed easier with Velcro fasteners and pull-on or elasticated waistbands.
- Night lights are a useful safety feature for people with dementia who have broken sleep.
- Warm slippers and fluffy grip socks can help prevent trips and falls while also bringing a sense of ease.
- Reminder clocks and easy-read calendars help reduce confusion and give back a feeling of confidence.
- Medical ID jewellery is both a thoughtful gift and reassuring for families.
- Technology like smart speakers, easy-to-use radios, or voice-command lights can offer both entertainment and independence in the home.
Even the smallest gesture, regardless of the price, can be the most appreciated gift of all.
How Home Care Helps Over Christmas
Christmas is a time of togetherness, but it can also be a lot to manage for those who care for a loved one with dementia. That’s where professional home carers can make a real difference and reduce the stress and anxiety. From helping decorate safely to preparing festive meals, or adapting games to be dementia-friendly, a little extra support can make such a difference over the holidays.
You may need to pop out to do some Christmas shopping but worry about leaving them on their own, or maybe you need some time to yourself but feel guilty for not being there for them: there’s no need to worry with Sova Healthcare.
Our team provides compassionate home care all year round. Your loved one will always be safe, comfortable and part of the celebration, while giving family carers time to relax and enjoy their time too. Everyone deserves to feel the magic of Christmas, including those who give so much care every day.
Are You Looking for Dementia Care Support this Christmas?
If you’d like support this Christmas, our specialist dementia carers are here to bring peace of mind to your home. Embrace the festive season without the stress and ask us about our home care services and how we can support your family this Christmas.