How to Visit a Loved One Living with Dementia During the Holidays (2025 Guide)

The holidays are a time for friends and family to be together, share traditions, and make new memories. But for someone living with dementia — and the caregivers who support them — the season can also introduce stress, overstimulation, and confusion. With a bit of planning, empathy, and flexibility, holiday visits can be meaningful, comfortable, and joyful for everyone involved.

Plan and set realistic expectations

Holiday traditions are familiar and comforting,  but they can also be overwhelming if expectations aren’t aligned with what’s manageable for your loved one. Discuss holiday plans openly with family and friends before the visit. Let them know what to expect, including changes in communication or behavior, and what kinds of environments are most comfortable.

Helpful tips:

• Set realistic goals: the holidays don’t have to look exactly like “the old days.”

• Be honest about comfort levels and caregiving needs.

• Reassign or simplify traditional tasks if needed; it’s okay to skip certain activities or share responsibilities

Choose the right time and visit length

Timing matters. Many people with dementia handle morning and early afternoon visits better than evenings, when fatigue or sundowning (increased confusion later in the day) may occur. 

Tips for visits:

• Plan visits in the morning/early afternoon when your loved one is more rested. 

• Keep visits short and flexible — length can be adjusted based on comfort and mood. 

• If multiple family members want to visit, consider staggering shorter visits instead of one large group gathering.

Create a Calm and Comfortable Setting

Holiday sights and sounds: bright lights, loud music, and lots of people are fun for many, but they can be overstimulating or confusing for someone with dementia. Think about adapting the environment thoughtfully:

• Limit excessive noise and avoid competing conversations. 

• Use familiar music or gentle background sounds rather than loud new playlists. 

• Keep decorations simple and avoid blinking lights or objects that might be misinterpreted or distracting. 

Offering a quiet space where your loved one can rest if needed, a calm room away from the main gathering, can make a big difference.

Stick to familiar routines when possible

Routine is especially grounding for individuals living with dementia. Holiday schedules can disrupt familiar patterns, which might increase anxiety or confusion. Whenever you can:

• Maintain regular meal and medication times.

• Keep rituals simple and familiar. 

• Introduce new holiday elements slowly, with reassurance. 

This gentle structure helps create a feeling of safety and predictability during a season that often feels chaotic

Encourage meaningful involvement

Inclusion enhances connection. Invite your loved one to participate in tasks that are manageable and meaningful to them:

• Helping to set the table or open cards.

• Looking through old photos or listening to familiar holiday music.

• Gentle decorating or wrapping simple gifts. 

These activities tap into memories and can encourage conversation and engagement without overwhelming the person

Keep it personal. Smaller gatherings are better

Big holiday parties with lots of guests and noise can be difficult to navigate. Instead:

• Opt for smaller, quieter group interactions. 

• Ask people to visit one at a time or in small groups. 

• Consider separate visits rather than a single large celebration.

Smaller gatherings tend to feel less overstimulating and make it easier for your loved one to feel connected and heard

Make Communication Easier

Many individuals living with dementia benefit from calm, clear, and patient communication:

• Speak slowly and in simple phrases.

• Give the person time to process information.

• Use positive, reassuring language rather than correcting or challenging confusion. 

Remind guests how to interact gently; even simple guidance helps everyone enjoy the visit more.

Holiday Gifts That Support Daily Life

Thoughtful gifts can strengthen connection and support daily living. One meaningful idea is the Idem Clock — a dementia-friendly clock designed to provide clear time, day, and activity reminders, helping reduce confusion and anxiety year-round. When gifting it for Christmas:

1. Wrap it with a personalized note explaining how it helps—this sets positive expectations.

2. Before wrapping the Idem Clock, take a moment to set it up (wi-fi, volume level, etc.). When your loved one opens it, it will already be ready to use, making the experience smoother and less overwhelming.

3. Demonstrate together how it works, making the experience comfortable and engaging.

Gifts like the Idem Clock are more than festive tokens — they offer stability and reassurance in daily caregiving life.

Tip: Practical gifts that enhance routine and independence often have lasting value far beyond the holiday moment.

Self-Care for Caregivers

Your well-being matters too. The holiday season can intensify caregiver stress, physically, emotionally, and mentally. Don’t hesitate to:

• Ask friends or family for support. 

• Take short breaks when possible.

• Reach out to support networks if you feel overwhelmed.

Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury; it’s essential to sustaining the care you provide.

Final Thoughts

Visiting a loved one with dementia during the holidays can be deeply rewarding when approached with patience, flexibility, and understanding. Focus less on perfection and more on meaningful connection; the shared moments, familiar songs, comforting traditions, and the simple joy of being together. With thoughtful planning and care, the holidays can be a time of warmth, comfort, and connection for everyone involved.