Simple Tips for a dementia-friendly Chinese New Year for people living in Bristol

Alzheimer’s Society issues expert advice on how to include people with dementia while celebrating Year of the Rabbit

The Chinese Lunar New Year, which is also known in China as Spring Festival, will this year begin on Sunday 22 January and will see the beginning of the Year of the Rabbit. The celebration, which dates back over a thousand years, is marked by Chinese people around the world and has a wealth of associated traditions and objects such as dancing lions, red ‘lucky money’ wallets, special foods like dumplings and ‘longevity noodles’ and visits to friends and family.

It’s an important festival for people of Chinese heritage around the UK and is a time for people to visit and connect with family members, to enjoy special food and celebrate together.

For many older Chinese people, the objects, traditions and memories that the New Year celebrations inspire, are an important link with their own childhood, identity and extended family, which is vital when the person in question is living with dementia. However, celebrations which they previously enjoyed, can sometimes prove overwhelming for people with dementia, as their illness progresses.

Helen Browne, a Dementia Support Worker for Alzheimer’s Society, has some suggestions for ways families can make the occasion less stressful and more inclusive for loved ones living with dementia.

1. Environment – Having lots of people in the home can become overwhelming to someone living with dementia. It’s a good idea to keep one room or part of the house as a calm, quiet space, somewhere people can take a break and spend quality time together away from loud music or multiple conversations.  The person may also wish to go to bed before midnight on New Year’s Eve.
2. Reminiscence – Why not use the occasion as an opportunity to share some memories using familiar objects connected with the festival? The practice of reminiscence uses all the senses – sight, touch, taste, smell and sound – to help people with dementia remember events, people and places from their past life. Things like red ‘lucky money’ wallets and making lanterns may remind a person of their childhood and families can enjoy sharing photo albums, music and songs that are special to them
3. Food and drink – Food is central to the celebration of Chinese New Year, and special foods may hold special memories but it’s worth being aware of the fact that people with dementia need gentle reminders to eat and drink, particularly if there are other distractions. A small finger buffet may be easier for the person to manage than a large plate of food during the traditional family reunion dinner.
4. Decorations – Chinese families often decorate their homes with bright colours and may bring a plum or peach tree indoors for luck. The red and pink colours of the blossom, along with gold and silver, are considered colours of celebration however, dementia can affect people’s visual perception so try to keep your home brightly lit and use good colour contrast to avoid confusing them.

Reminiscence, which is also known as Life Story work, is one of several beneficial, non-drug therapies explained in Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Dementia Guide’ which is freely available to read or download on the charity’s website. The guide is full of helpful information for people who have recently been diagnosed with any kind of dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society is here for anyone affected by dementia. Their dementia support line (0333 150 3456) offers advice and emotional support and provides a translation for callers who do not have English as their language of choice. They also provide a number of dementia publications and films in other languages. To find out more visit alzheimers.org.uk