Christmas can be a joyful time but for many older people it can feel painfully quiet. If you have an elderly relative, neighbour or friend, a quick check in can mean the world and it could be more important than you realise.
Age UK research highlighted by Age UK Bolton suggests 1.5 million older people across the UK will eat Christmas dinner alone and 670,000 will not see or speak to anyone on Christmas Day. One in two say they no longer feel joy at Christmas and 1 million feel more isolated at Christmas than any other time of year. This is why even a small act of kindness, a visit, a phone call or practical help, can bring real comfort and joy to an elderly person’s festive season.
Here are nine simple tips to help an elderly loved one feel supported and included this Christmas.
1) Plan the day around their routine
Routines are reassuring, especially for older adults living with frailty, anxiety or memory loss. Try to keep wake up times, mealtimes and medication schedules as close to normal as possible, even if the rest of the day feels a bit more special than usual. It can help to think of Christmas as a normal day with some lovely moments added in.
Helpful ideas:
- Plan visitors in shorter time slots
- Build in quiet breaks between activities
- Avoid late nights if they tire easily
2) Make contact early, then keep checking in
Try not to leave it until Christmas Eve. A message or call a week or two before gives you time to spot any worries, health changes or practical needs and it also gives them something to look forward to. If they are on their own, knowing when they will hear from you can be a real comfort.
You could:
- Agree on a simple plan for Christmas Day contact
- Set up a daily call during the festive week
- Ask if they have enough food, heating credit and medication
3) Keep the home warm, bright and easy to move around
Winter cold, dark evenings and extra clutter can all make day to day life harder. Before visitors arrive, do a quick safety sweep so they can move around comfortably without feeling rushed or at risk of a fall. Even small changes can make the house feel calmer and safer.
Helpful ideas:
- Clear bags, wrapping paper and cables from walkways
- Add a lamp or brighter bulb in hallways and on stairs
- Keep slippers supportive and non slip rather than loose or worn
- Place essentials nearby like water, tissues, glasses and the TV remote
4) Make meals festive but easier to eat
Christmas food is part of the fun, but big, rich meals can be tiring, especially if someone has a smaller appetite, dental issues or swallowing difficulties. You can keep the festive feel while making things a little gentler and more enjoyable.
Helpful ideas:
- Offer smaller portions and let them go back for seconds if they want to
- Include softer options like well cooked veg, mashed root veg or tender meat with extra gravy
- Avoid too many new foods if they are prone to stomach upsets
- Keep favourite familiar foods on the table too, it is still Christmas if there is fish pie or soup
5) Encourage little and often drinks
Many older people drink less in winter, and warm rooms can be dehydrating. Rather than pushing big glasses of water, offer regular small drinks throughout the day. Warm options often go down better.
Helpful ideas:
- Keep a favourite mug topped up within reach
- Offer warm squash, herbal tea, decaf tea or soup
- Add hydrating snacks like fruit, yoghurt or jelly
- Keep an eye out for dry lips, headaches or extra tiredness, which can be signs they need more fluids
6) Keep medication routines simple and steady
With visitors, outings and a change of mealtimes, it is easy for medication to be missed or taken twice. A little structure helps the day feel calmer and safer, especially if your loved one is forgetful or takes several prescriptions.
Helpful ideas:
- Stick to the usual timings even if the schedule is different
- Keep medicines in one safe place, away from guests and children
- Use a pill organiser or phone reminder if that already works for them
- be cautious with alcohol if they take medication, a pharmacist can advise if you are unsure
7) Reduce overwhelm if they get tired, anxious or confused
Christmas can be loud and busy. For someone living with dementia, anxiety or sensory overload, too much noise and too many people can feel upsetting rather than fun. A quieter approach often leads to a happier day for everyone.
Helpful ideas:
- Keep background music low and turn the TV down or off during chats
- Limit how many people visit at once, even if it means staggering visits
- Offer a quiet room or comfy chair where they can take a break
- Use gentle prompts and simple choices like tea or coffee, here or there
8) Help them feel included with a small role
Loneliness is not only about being alone, it is also about feeling forgotten. Giving your loved one a simple role helps them feel part of things without pressure, and it keeps their confidence and independence at the centre of the day.
Helpful ideas:
- Ask them to choose the music or help set the table
- Let them hand out crackers or gifts from a chair
- Invite them to share a family story or say a toast
- Make time for a quiet one to one chat, even if the room is busy
9) Know when extra support could make Christmas easier
Sometimes the kindest thing you can do is bring in a bit of help, especially if your loved one needs support with washing, dressing, meals, mobility or medication. It takes the pressure off family members, reduces risk and helps your loved one stay comfortable at home, on their terms.
Helpful ideas:
- Arrange a little extra support for the busiest days so you can focus on being present
- Consider overnight help if nights are difficult or you worry about falls
- Keep an eye on changes like increased confusion, poor appetite or low mood as these can be signs they need more support
If you are thinking about care, live-in care can offer one-to-one support day and night, help with daily routines and companionship, all in the comfort of home.
Need support at home this Christmas? Independent People Homecare can arrange tailored live-in care quickly, with trained carers who support older adults to stay safe, well and independent at home. Call 0808 304 0500 or email hello1765374716@ipho1765374716mecar1765374716e.co.1765374716uk1765374716.