Dementia experts from Lilian Faithfull Care are offering advice to help families keep loved ones calm and safe during Bonfire Night.
With around 1 million people in the UK living with dementia, sudden noises, bright flashes, and disrupted routines can make fireworks season distressing. Loud bangs may cause confusion, trigger memories, or heighten anxiety.
“Bonfire Night can be an exciting event for many, but for people living with dementia, the unpredictable nature of fireworks can be overwhelming,” said Yvonne Kelly-Fox, Dementia Specialist Lead at Lilian Faithfull Care. “Simple, thoughtful steps at home can make all the difference, helping loved ones feel secure and included rather than anxious or excluded.”
Keeping routines consistent
People with dementia often rely on familiar routines to feel safe. Yvonne recommends maintaining regular daily patterns:
- “Keep daily patterns consistent. For example, if your loved one usually enjoys a cup of tea and the 6pm news, don’t change it. You want to keep mealtimes and bedtime consistent, as well as familiar daily activities such as the same TV programmes.”
- “Gently explain to your loved one ahead of the evening that there may be fireworks. You may hear loud bangs, but we’re safe.”
Creating a calm environment
Preparation and a peaceful setting can ease distress. Yvonne advises:
- “Check when your local display times are; knowing when fireworks or big events are taking place helps you plan when your loved one may need additional support, and you can also plan their dinner or bedtime around them.”
- “Draw curtains, close windows, and add comforting background noise like music or the radio. Familiar sounds can help mask the noise from fireworks and provide reassurance.”
She also suggests using distractions:
- “Sit together and talk about familiar topics, or look through old photos. If your loved one seems anxious, hold hands or wrap a light blanket around them for comfort.”
- “Plan soothing activities, such as puzzles, reading aloud, or putting on their favourite film.”
If there are pets in the home, keeping them calm indoors helps maintain a peaceful atmosphere for everyone.
Supporting carers
“Lastly, make sure you look after yourself,” Yvonne said. “A calm carer creates a calm environment. Take moments to rest when your loved one is settled.”
“The key is understanding,” she added. “When families learn what could cause distress and plan ahead, it can help prevent potentially difficult situations for their loved one.”
National context and resources
Lilian Faithfull Care, a Gloucestershire-based charity with over 75 years of experience, operates care homes and day clubs that support people with dementia. The organisation emphasises person-centred care to maintain dignity and independence.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, approximately 982,000 people in the UK live with dementia as of 2024. Fireworks displays remain widespread, with the British Pyrotechnists Association noting thousands of organised events across the country each November.
Bonfire Night, which commemorates the failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605, traditionally features fireworks, bonfires, and gatherings. The RSPCA and other organisations urge minimising distress for both animals and people with sensory sensitivities.
Families can check local firework schedules on council websites or apps such as Firework Finder to anticipate peak times. The Alzheimer’s Society also recommends using visual aids or social stories to explain events in advance.
Promoting inclusion and awareness
Experts agree that early planning helps reduce anxiety and promotes inclusion during seasonal celebrations. With dementia diagnoses projected to exceed 1 million by 2030, such guidance supports carers nationwide.
Dementia support organisations encourage families to share experiences through helplines and community groups, ensuring that no one feels isolated during festive periods.