Holiday How-To's With Senior Loved Ones
As our senior loved ones age and often start to slow down mentally and physically, it can be hard to navigate this new way of life. It can be especially confusing as the holidays roll around. At one time, our senior loved ones were likely in charge of everything to do with the holidays - the baking, the shopping, the gift-giving and the fun planning. Now, while they might still like to do it all, there are times when they can’t. Often, the duties fall to the younger generations. It is a tricky balance between letting our seniors do all they can and respecting their limitations while also having a joyous, stress- and drama-free holiday. Here are some holiday how-tos and ideas to help things go smoothly this season.
Plan Some Fun
Just because our seniors are aging doesn’t mean they don’t want to be a part of the holiday festivities. Often, they are more excited for the season than others because it means they get to see family and friends they don’t often see. Make sure they aren’t left out just because they can’t do what they used to. Pick and choose what they might want to do. Apart from the usual in-home family gatherings, plan some fun out of the home. Bring your senior loved one to Longwood Gardens to stroll or drive through the festive lights. They can go at their own pace, and on a day they are feeling up for it to get into the holiday spirit. If they’d rather sit and see a festive show, head out to watch the Nutcracker at the Brandywine Ballet. If the sidewalks are too slippery for them to get out of the car, plan a night of driving around to see the over-the-top Christmas decorations in the area. Pack some cups of hot chocolate and ooh and ahh over the lights. Rate your favorites.
Make It Cozy
Decorate your senior’s living space for the season. Holiday lights often make people feel better and put them in a happier mood. If your senior loved one can’t get out of the house to attend holiday events and see the lights, make sure you bring the holidays into their living space. Get out some of their favorite decorations. Decorate together, or have them tell you where to put their favorite ornaments and decorations. Even before the holiday, it might be fun to buy them something new for their area, such as a holiday plant or a cute snowman. Get them a fluffy blanket to keep warm and cozy. Make sure they feel the warmth of the season.
Bring the Holidays Home
Pennsylvania winters can get dicey, so if your senior loved one can’t make it out to all of the holiday celebrations your family has planned, bring the celebrations to them. We all know parties usually have plenty of leftovers. Don’t be shy. Ask to bring some home to your senior loved one. You can eat them together and rehash the party for them, telling them all of the news and about all of the people you saw at the party. If guests are visiting from out of town and your senior loved one knows them, have them stop over, even for a little bit, to say hi and visit. Take pictures of the events they miss or even videos, so they can see photos of what you’re describing.
Make Them Comfortable
At holiday gatherings, ensure your seniors have a comfortable place to sit. Maybe they want a fluffy couch to sit on. Or maybe they’d prefer a sturdy chair so they can get up easily. Find out what they want, and find the best spot for them. Often, our senior loved ones lose some of their hearing as they age. Ensure they are in a spot where they can hear everything that is going on - unless, of course, they'd prefer to tune some of it out. Make sure they are in the middle of the action so they can see everything that is going on around them and do not feel lonely if they can’t get up and mingle.
Get Some Outside Help
If you think your senior needs a little more help than you can give this holiday season, consider hiring a compassionate caregiver from a home care agency, such as Visiting Angels. Our caregivers can help ensure your senior loved one is safe and happy in their home, even while you are running errands or doing some of the Christmas preparations they always used to do. During the holiday season, the number of hours providers offer can be increased if you are busier than usual preparing for the festivities. Our caregivers can also assist with light meal prep and clean up, especially if your senior is cooking or decorating for the season.
Work Around Their Schedule
Some seniors might want to do it all this holiday season. At the same time, others might want to lay low, especially if the ice and snowfall upon Pennsylvania. Plan their activities around what they are up for this year. Don’t push them, but don’t neglect them or think they don’t want to be a part of the holiday fun. If you are attending activities, plan for breaks in between, allowing your senior ample time for rest and relaxation and to refresh for the next holiday event.
We Can Help
Our professionally-trained caregivers at Visiting Angels will help the seniors in your life live meaningful and independent lives. At Visiting Angels Chadds Ford, we are experienced experts who provide a wealth of home care services, including personal care and specialty care, such as fall prevention and dementia care. Our compassionate caregivers will help develop a personalized, individual care plan for the senior in your life to ensure we meet all of their needs and yours.
Our highly-regarded team of caregivers serves clients in Central & Southern Delaware County and Southern Chester County, PA. To use our services or to learn more, call us at 484-428-6636 or fill out an online form here. If you are interested in joining our team, we currently have a range of positions open and are looking for compassionate people to join our team of angels.