3 minute read
Life Hacks
Tips for a sustainable Christmas
Use recyclable wrapping paper: You can check if your wrapping paper is recyclable by doing ‘the scrunch test’ - simply scrunch a piece of the paper in the palm of your hand - if the paper remains ‘scrunched’ it is paperbased and widely recycled in the UK. If the wrapping paper unfolds or springs back it cannot be recycled. Turn last year’s Christmas cards into this year’s present labels - and recycle them afterwards! Don’t be afraid to give second-hand presents - a book you really loved reading, or a charity shop toy. Reuse cardboard delivery boxes to wrap larger presents, along with some ribbon for a festive touch - you can recycle the cardboard boxes and reuse the ribbon afterwards, too. Decorate your space with natural foliage, plus choose a real Christmas tree - they have less of a carbon footprint compared to a fake one. You would have to reuse your artificial tree for 12 years to make it greener than a real tree. Reuse Christmas decorations year after year - and only buy a couple of new ones to replace any that are broken. Reduce food waste by finding creative ways of using up your Christmas Turkey. It tastes great as a curry, in a pie or even as part of a stir-fry.
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Set your Christmas lights up through a timer switch
so they only come on as it gets dark outside and don’t run throughout the night. This will not only cut down on energy usage but also help save £s off your energy bill!
Karen Maurice, N4Mummy
Supporting people with
dementia at Christmas
Christmas is traditionally the family time of the year. But the festive season can also feel confusing and overwhelming for people living with dementia. Here are some simple tips to help Involve all family members to do their bit
Chat to family members and friends beforehand and make sure you give everyone specific responsibilities where they can contribute. People with dementia can assist with domestic tasks or meal preparation, and it will give them a sense of purpose. Working together will enable the whole family to work together and create some meaningful connections.
Help remember happy times
If your loved one with dementia is religious, a church visit may be a good idea. Other activities that will recreate the happy time from their childhood, youth, activities they may have done as children or parents, may all provide fond memories and be very soothing.
Cater for everyone’s appetite
Dementia can affect a person’s appetite and they may not want to eat a huge dinner. Give them smaller portions so they don’t feel embarrassed if they can’t eat it all - you can offer second helpings if they are still hungry.
Find a quiet spot
Excessive noise can disorientate and possibly evoke feelings of insecurity, so be mindful when playing games and music. Find a quieter place they can sit, whilst still being part of the family and encourage other family members to spend 1:1 time with them.
Remembering names
Make sure you introduce and re-introduce family and friends visiting so they are not embarrassed by not remembering names of grandchildren or relatives. You can even make a game of it, so they don’t feel intimidated.
