Supporting People with Aphasia at Christmas

Christmas can be a joyful and heart-warming time, but it can also be overwhelming - especially for people living with aphasia.

The festive season often brings changes to routine, gatherings with people you don’t see often, noisy celebrations, and busy environments. All of this can make communication harder. Without the right support, it can leave people with aphasia feeling tired, anxious, or even excluded.

One of the best ways to offer support is by giving plenty of choice, understanding, and reassurance. When the festive season gets into full swing, offering choice helps people feel comfortable, included, and in control. Whether it’s deciding when to join a gathering, which activity to take part in, or even which decorations to put up, giving simple and clear options allows people with aphasia to participate at their own pace and feel valued throughout the celebrations.

Here are some gentle, practical, and positive ways to support someone with aphasia throughout the festive season:

1. Support Simple, Clear Choices

Choice helps people feel in control, especially when days feel different from the usual routine. Offer two options, and use pictures, gestures, or objects if needed.

"Would you prefer turkey or fish?"

"Would you like to stay home or go out?"

Make a conscious effort to not choose what you think is right for someone. As caregivers and advocates for people with aphasia, we should always be supportive and respectful of their choice and autonomy.   

Remember - a person might say “yes” to things (despite feeling anxious) because they care and they want to be included. Nobody should have to 'miss out' - if they are willing and feel able to take part, they should be supported to do so. 

Everyone deserves the chance to decide for themselves. 

2. Take regular breaks

Throughout the Christmas period, routines change:

• Different meal times
• Visiting people you don’t see often
• New places or experiences 
• Unexpected plans

Out-of-routine changes can be hard. Certain situations can be stressful, or make communication more difficult. Regular breaks and 'quiet times' can help the day feel calmer and more manageable. 

3. Consider the environment

Consider how different environments may make a person feel. Crowds, noise, and fast-moving conversations can make it hard for someone with aphasia to join in and enjoy the festivities. Sometimes, people with aphasia might be physically present, but feel left out. It's important to make sure they feel involved, supported and loved. You can do this by:

• Choosing smaller gatherings
  
• Picking quieter times
• Finding calm spaces to rest
• Keeping events short if needed
  
• Involving them in conversations 

4. Share the Plan Ahead of Time

Knowing what to expect can reduce stress. Where possible, try to share:

• How long the event or activity will last
• Who will be there
• Where you are going
• What will happen
• How they can signal when it feels too much 

This gives a sense of safety and control.

5. A “Safe Person” Makes a Big Difference

Having someone they trust nearby can make social gatherings feel much easier.

A “safe person” can:

• Help with communication
• Stay close during conversations
• Support them to leave at a time that's right for them 

This reassurance encourages confidence and helps people feel able to join in.

6. Offer reassurance

People with aphasia may worry about letting others down. For example, what once was a much-loved tradition may no longer feel achievable. This can be particularly tough. Reassurance helps to remove any pressure or feelings of guilt. Follow their lead, stay positive, and remind them that their comfort matters above everything else. In this instance, you could create new memories and traditions that are more inclusive and feel just as special.

7. Consider Weather and Travel Stress

Cold or unpredictable winter weather can add an extra layer of anxiety, especially for people who have a physical disability. Icy paths, crowded transport, or rushing in the cold can all feel stressful and unsafe. 

Support by:

• Planning simple routes
• Allowing more time to travel
• Keeping plans flexible
• Having a back-up option if the weather changes

Small, thoughtful steps can make the day feel much safer and more manageable.

8. Make Gift-Giving Easier

Writing cards, purchasing presents, or expressing love can be challenging for people with aphasia. This can feel especially hard in a season focussed on giving. 

You can help by:

• Removing expectations 
• Asking if and how they would like to be involved
• Offering simple choices e.g. "would you like to send this card, or that card?"
• Focussing on small, meaningful gestures - click here to read 'Kindness Beyond Words'
  

Aphasia presents differently in everyone, so flexibility is key. Some alternatives include:

• If it's easier to speak than write, why not send a voice note instead of a card?
• If writing with your hand is difficult, try using an online card service (like Moonpig or Funky Pigeon) so messages can be typed

These options allow people to show love and appreciation in ways that feel achievable and joyful.

9. Celebrate Every Moment

Christmas doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to feel safe, warm, and connected. By supporting choice, reducing overwhelm, and offering gentle reassurance, we can help people with aphasia enjoy a festive season filled with love, laughter and celebration. It's all about experiencing special moments and making treasured memories.

If you need support over the winter period, we're here to help.

• Call: 0300 102 3500
• Email: info@aphasiasupport.org

Sending best wishes to you and your loved ones this festive season✨