Bonfire night is almost here! It’s a great night for many, but for people with dementia it can also be confusing and distressing. Below are some of our top tips for an enjoyable night:
- If you’re attending an event, make sure to plan ahead! Load up a portable music player, such as the Bush mp3 player, with the songs that make up the person’s playlist and take it with you. This way if at any moment during the festivities the person gets agitated or starts showing signs of distress, they can listen to their playlist while you escort them to a safe and quieter space. You could also look into noise-cancelling or noise-reducing headphones to block our the loud bangs.
- If the crowds and the hustle and bustle of an event make the person uncomfortable, try watching the fireworks from a distance. If the loud bangs from the fireworks unsettles them, reassure the person, offer them a gentle hug and speak to them calmly. Bring the person’s playlist with you to block out the sounds of the fireworks.
- Remember that it’s perfectly okay to spend the night indoors too! Whether you’re creating an alternative bonfire night or you’re avoiding it altogether, there are lots of ways to have fun from the comfort of your own home. It might also be a good idea to speak to your neighbours about their plans – are they planning on setting off fireworks? Listening to music, singing together or watching a film together are just some ways to distract from the noise outside.
Whatever you decide to do, stay warm and stay safe!