Supporting your loved ones with dementia during Bonfire Night

It’s safe to prepare your loved ones for this night and make sure that this night is no different than any other. This article will give you invaluable tips about staying safe and supporting everyone around you.

Here are some top tips for providing a safe and enjoyable bonfire night:

1. Make sure to plan.

Firstly, you need to make sure the person with dementia is aware of bonfire night coming up and if they want to be involved or not. Mostly, people with dementia won’t want to be alone this night and will need company to avoid confusion.

It may be worth speaking to neighbours about their plans, they could be setting off fireworks and this will be very distressing for someone with dementia. The person with dementia could visit family for the night.

2. Attend a professional, community event.

Fireworks events are loads of fun for families, but its important your attending events that are run by professional organisations and that they meet coronavirus guidelines. Safety is the most important, attending events with strict fire and safety regulations is something to investigate to provide security for you and loved ones.

3. Stay comfortable.

In the month of November, it’s very cold, it’s important for the person with dementia to be wrapped up in layers to avoid discomfort, it’s the worst being cold, it ruins the experience. Drinking a hot beverage may keep the person warm and feel more involved with the event.

Being in a crowded environment with too much activity could be something to avoid, if visiting a firework display it might be worth being near the back, so it isn’t as loud or bright, or to watch from a distance.

If the person may be triggered by the bright lights or the noise, maybe bring sunglasses and ear plugs, so they can still somewhat enjoy the experience.

4. Create an alternative.

Theres many alternatives for bonfire night, this could be staying in with your family, having a home cooked meal and hot chocolate and watching a display on the TV. You could create a mini display in your home, use sparklers and avoid fireworks.

Bonfire night isn’t always about the fireworks, this could just be getting tother with your family eating heart food and hot drinks.

5. Avoid fireworks.

Fireworks aren’t for everyone and there’s nothing wrong with that, its not worth the stress for some people, especially when there’s so many alternatives on bonfire night.

In the colder months, fireworks do become more regular and although its fine to set them off, just be aware of your surroundings and people around you. If you have elderly neighbours then check up on them, see if its okay to do so, and if it isn’t, respect their decision. These tips can apply to any celebration that includes fireworks, there’s always an alternative, especially when your loved ones are struggling with something, like dementia.