If your loved one has seemed more confused, agitated, or “off” lately, you’re not imagining it. December is a tough month for many people with dementia. It’s not usually the holidays themselves that cause problems. It’s all the subtle changes that come with them.
Shorter days mean more darkness, and darkness often increases disorientation and sundowning. Colder weather keeps people inside more, which can disrupt routines and sleep patterns. Even small environmental changes can have a big impact.
A new wreath on the door, different lights, moved furniture, louder neighbors, or decorations that weren’t there a week ago can make the world feel unfamiliar to a brain that is already working hard to sort things out.
And when you pair those changes with holiday outings, visitors, music, gatherings, or traditions that used to feel joyful, the combination can become overwhelming quickly.
What was once a familiar season now asks their brain to process more. More stimulation. More transitions. More faces. More noise. More expectations.
This year, give yourself permission to adjust. Maybe that means shorter visits instead of full-day celebrations, quieter traditions instead of crowded events, or creating new ways to make the season meaningful that feel gentler for your loved one and for you.
Different does not mean less.
Sometimes different is exactly what is needed.
Sending you love no matter how your holiday season looks..
And that skill gets stronger every time you practice.
Recently, a man with dementia who lives in a nearby neighborhood wandered away from his home. My friend was stopped by police officers asking if she had seen an older man walking around. The family was frightened.
That recent incident sparked me to include this Wandering Safety Plan for you to have. Take a look at it and keep it in mind. Every caregiver (whether your loved one has wandered or not) should take a look and be prepared.
This week’s video breaks down something caregivers rarely hear about: how dementia changes the way a person experiences the world through all five senses. These changes can affect how they see, hear, taste, smell, and even feel touch. When the brain interprets sensory information differently, everyday moments can become confusing or stressful, and behaviors that seem “out of nowhere” often make a lot more sense.
This season isn’t about purchases. It’s about comfort, connection, and creating memories. But if you happen to be looking for something to wrap for your loved one, or you want to bring a bit of calm into their day, this little companion has been a meaningful option for many families.
One caregiver shared: “I purchased this lifelike kitty because my mom has dementia and needed a way to help her feel calm. This kitty is so lifelike with the breathing and softness. My mom is a cat lover, so this is the perfect lap kitty.”
For cat lovers or anyone who finds comfort in gentle, familiar sensations, the soft fur and subtle breathing motion can provide a grounding sense of companionship, especially during a season that can feel overstimulating or unfamiliar.
Sending love,
Board-certified Geropsychologist
Founder, Dementia Careblazers
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