Staying Connected and Engaged Over Summer

Summer in Australia is a wonderful time to enjoy festive gatherings and holidays, making lasting memories with those closest to you. Traditionally, holidays and religious festivities involve families gathering to celebrate, exchange gifts and share food and drink. For people living with dementia and their carers, this period can present unique challenges.

The changes in routine, environment, diet, travel, temperature, in addition to the sensory overload of festive gatherings, can be overwhelming. But with thoughtful planning, there are ways you can make these special occasions enjoyable for everyone.

Staying hydrated in summer

High temperatures and hydration levels can affect mood, cognition, and overall health. Many people living with dementia do not get enough fluids because they might forget to drink or no longer recognise the sensation of thirst.

In a different social setting or environment, people living with dementia may struggle to get themselves a drink or tell their carer when they are thirsty.

If you are caring for someone living with dementia, be sure to offer regular drinks of water or other non-alcoholic fluids to avoid dehydration. Try to increase daily water intake by keeping a water bottle nearby or pouring a glass of water with each meal. To avoid the impacts of high temperatures, try to schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day and ensure access to shade and air conditioning. Lightweight clothing, hats, and sunscreen are essential.

Inclusive and dementia-friendly celebrations

Recent Dementia Australia surveys find that more than half of people caring for someone living with dementia said they felt isolated. This is often a result of family and friends not understanding how important their support is.

People impacted by dementia often share the experience that family and friends drift away after a diagnosis, because they are unsure how to interact. This can lead to social isolation, loneliness, and a sense of abandonment. The emotional and psychological impacts can be significant for both people living with dementia and carers.

This isolation and loneliness can be even more pronounced over the festive period, when people living with dementia and their carers are excluded from social gatherings.  Actively including people living with dementia and their carers in gatherings over summer helps to reduce feelings of social exclusion and isolation.

If large gatherings feel overwhelming for the person you are supporting, suggest smaller-scale events or one-on-one visits or online catchups. Support family and friends to engage with loved ones living with dementia in a way that is comfortable for everyone. This could include listening to music, gardening, short walks, or watching a favourite show. Playing a game from Dementia Australia’s ‘A Better Visit’ app, doing puzzles or looking through photo albums can encourage connection, conversation, and cognitive health. Sometimes simply sitting together outside or in a quiet space can support a person’s emotional wellbeing.

Helpful resources

Holidays can be a bittersweet time for everyone who is impacted by dementia.

For people living with dementia, this time of the year can highlight changes in their abilities and capacity to participate in family and other traditions, leading to feelings of grief, loss, or nostalgia.

For carers, this time of year can be both joyful but also involve increased responsibilities and challenges. It is vital to prioritise your own wellbeing. Share the caring role among family members and don’t hesitate to seek support.

For support, information or advice, contact the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 or visit dementia.org.au for live chat and email.

The National Dementia Helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days week, 365 days a year – including all public holidays.

By Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO Dementia Australia