posted 4th November 2026
Caring for a Parent at Christmas? You’re Allowed to Make Plans Too
You’ve been invited to something you’d love to say yes to.
A Christmas shopping trip with a friend. A festive lunch with colleagues. Your grandchild’s school nativity. Or simply a quiet afternoon at home to get through your to-do list.
Then your mind goes straight to Mum or Dad.
Will they be on their own? Who will keep them company? Would it just be easier to say I can’t make it?
Before you’ve even opened your diary, you’re working out whether everyone else will be all right.
If this sounds familiar, November is a good time to explore support. Your plans deserve a place in the diary too.
The Christmas List You Carry in Your Head
There’s the list everyone sees: presents, cards, food and family arrangements.
Then there’s your other list:
- Checking Dad has eaten lunch.
- Making sure Mum has company.
- Remembering appointments and prescription collections.
- Doing two sets of shopping.
- Calling again because you’re worried.
- Working out who can pop in when you can’t.
You might manage all of this alongside work, children and your own home. You might also enjoy being there for your parent.
Both can be true: you love spending time with them, and you need some time for yourself.
When someone says, “Just take a break,” it can sound simple. The difficult part is finding support you and your parent feel comfortable with.
Start with One Regular Day
You don’t have to solve the whole of December today.
Start by thinking about one part of the week when support would make a difference:
- Perhaps Tuesday is the day you struggle to balance work and checking in.
- Perhaps you keep cancelling Friday plans because you don’t want Dad spending another day alone.
Then think about what your parent would enjoy during those hours: music, something creative, or a chance to chat with familiar faces and have something to tell you about afterwards.
Finding the right support means considering both of you: what could give your parent an enjoyable day, and what would give you time you can actually use.
A Day for Them, and Some Time for You
At Your Care Dementia Day Club in Hanham, guests spend the day with familiar faces, conversation and activities that reflect their interests.
Activities include:
- Group singing and musical sessions
- Quizzes and memory-stimulating games
- Creative arts and crafts
- Physical movement and active exercises
- Table games and conversation
Some people like to join in straight away. Others prefer to watch and get to know everyone first. There’s room for both.
We welcome a maximum of 10 guests each day, giving our team time to get to know each person, their preferences and the support they need. Personal care and discreet toileting support are available too.
Location & Operating Hours
- Address: 111 High Street, Hanham, Bristol BS15 3QG
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 10:30am to 4:30pm
While Mum or Dad spends time with us, you could keep an appointment, meet a friend, get through some Christmas jobs or simply have a quieter day. You don’t have to fill every hour with something useful to justify having that time.
“But What If They Don’t Want to Go?”
That uncertainty can keep families putting off the first conversation. You might worry your parent will feel nervous, refuse to join in or think you’re trying to send them somewhere they don’t want to be.
Here are four ways to take that first step together:
1. Start with what interests them
If Dad has always loved music, talk about the singing. If Mum enjoys meeting people, talk about the company and conversation. Explain where you’re suggesting visiting and what they could do there, using clear, familiar language.
2. Listen to their concerns
Give them time to say how they feel. They might be worried about knowing nobody, needing help or being unsure what will happen. You don’t have to persuade them immediately. Understanding their concerns gives you something practical to discuss with our team.
3. Tell us what helps them feel comfortable
Share their routines, favourite topics, likes and dislikes, alongside any personal care or mealtime needs. Knowing these details helps us prepare for their visit and support them as they settle in.
4. Visit together first
You can arrange to come along for an activity and a cuppa, meet the team and see the space together. That first visit gives you both a chance to ask questions and get a feel for the Day Club before deciding on the next step.
You don’t need all the answers before you call.
Make the First Call Before the Diary Fills Up
Finding support takes a little planning. There are questions to ask, people to meet and arrangements to make. Starting in November gives you time to explore what could work before December becomes busy.
Think of one thing you’d like to put in your diary. Then take the first step towards arranging the support that could make it possible.
Put some time for yourself in the diary today. Call 0117 947 7422and book a visit to Your Care Dementia Day Club in Hanham. Tell us which day you need, and we’ll check availability and talk through the support Mum or Dad would need.
Thoughtful care, from our family to yours.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Your Care Dementia Day Club in Hanham?
Your Care Dementia Day Club is a specialized day service located at 111 High Street, Hanham, Bristol. It offers personalised social activities, mental stimulation, creative crafts, group singing, and discreet personal care for older adults and people living with dementia in a small-group setting of up to 10 guests.
What are the opening hours and contact details for the Hanham day club?
The Day Club operates Monday to Friday from 10:30am to 4:30pm. You can reach the club directly by calling 0117 947 7422.
Can family members visit the day club with their parent first?
Yes. We encourage families to visit together for a hot drink and an activity session to meet the team, inspect the space, and help their parent feel comfortable before making any ongoing arrangements.
