Why Routine Matters More Than Ever for Older People During the Festive Season

Homelium
Dec 17, 2025
3 min read

Two people wearing festive headbands, one in bed with a gnome-patterned blanket and lit gnome plushie. The setting is cosy and joyful.

The festive season is often filled with joy, visitors and celebrations, but for many older people, Christmas and winter can also bring disruption, confusion and increased anxiety. Changes to daily routines, busier households and shorter daylight hours can have a significant impact on wellbeing, particularly for older adults and those living with dementia.

Understanding why routine matters and how to protect it during the festive period can make a meaningful difference to an older loved one’s comfort, safety and emotional health.

Why Routine Matters More Than Ever for Older People During the Festive Season

For many older adults, routine provides:

A sense of security and predictability
Reduced anxiety and confusion
Better sleep patterns
Improved appetite and medication adherence
Emotional reassurance

As we age, sudden changes can feel overwhelming. Familiar patterns help older people feel grounded and in control, especially during the darker winter months.

Routine and Dementia Care During Winter

For people living with dementia, routine is even more crucial. Changes to environment, schedule or carers can increase:

Confusion and disorientation
Agitation or low mood
Wandering or restlessness
Sleep disturbances
Increased risk of falls

The festive season often brings altered meal times, visitors, noise and unfamiliar faces, all of which can be distressing for someone with dementia.

Maintaining a consistent daily routine can help reduce these risks and support emotional wellbeing throughout winter and Christmas.

How the Festive Season Can Disrupt Routine

Common festive changes that affect older people include:

Later nights and irregular sleep
Missed or delayed meals
Disrupted medication times
Increased noise and activity
Changes to regular carers or support
Colder homes and reduced mobility outdoors

While these changes may seem small, they can quickly impact an older person’s physical and mental health.

Simple Ways to Protect Routine at Christmas

You don’t need to avoid celebrations altogether, small adjustments can help maintain balance:

Keep meal and medication times consistent
Encourage regular sleep and rest
Limit the number of visitors at one time
Maintain familiar daily activities
Ensure the home stays warm and well-lit
Build in quiet time between social moments

For families juggling care alongside festive commitments, this can feel challenging and that’s where extra support can help.

How Home Care Can Help Maintain Routine

Home care provides consistent, familiar support during a busy time of year. A dedicated carer can help by:

Supporting regular meals and hydration
Ensuring medication is taken correctly
Providing companionship and reassurance
Helping maintain daily routines
Reducing stress for family carers
Offering continuity and familiarity

For people living with dementia, having a trusted carer can be especially comforting when everything else feels different.

Supporting Family Carers During Winter

Many family carers feel pressure to “do it all” during Christmas caring, hosting, working and supporting others. This can lead to exhaustion and burnout.

At Homelium, we believe caring for the carer matters too. That’s why we offer:

Free care consultations
Two hours of free respite care for family carers
Flexible home care and companionship support
Caregiver coffee mornings for connection and support

A short break or extra help can make all the difference.

Keeping Christmas Calm, Safe and Meaningful

The festive season doesn’t need to be perfect, it just needs to feel safe, calm and supportive. By prioritising routine, families can help older loved ones feel secure, valued and cared for throughout winter.

If you’re worried about how Christmas or winter may affect an elderly loved one or if you’re caring for someone living with dementia, support is available.

Homelium Care is here to help you every step of the way, with home care in Dorset, Essex, Hampshire, West Sussex & Surrey and Northampton.