How Families Can Celebrate Thanksgiving with Seniors in Annapolis, MD and Surrounding Areas During COVID-19
Thanksgiving may be a little different this year. Here’s how families and professional in-home caregivers from Visiting Angels can make the holiday enjoyable for seniors in Annapolis, Millersville, Pasadena, Arnold, Glen Burnie and surrounding areas in Maryland
The COVID-19 pandemic will change the way families in Anne Arundel County celebrate Thanksgiving this year. Some events will be cancelled. Most gatherings will be smaller. Families may avoid travelling altogether. However, there are many ways to celebrate while following safe health guidelines.
As always, remember to wear masks, social distance and wash your hands often for added protection. In addition, consider hiring in-home caregivers from Visiting Angels Annapolis to assist your loved one should they decide to stay home this Thanksgiving.
We recommend these safe yet enjoyable activities for families celebrating the holiday with their senior loved ones.
Make Thanksgiving Dinner Together
If you’ve determined it’s safe for your senior loved one to visit this year and your gathering is small, preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be fun for the whole family. Team up to make sides and dessert like the mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Set the table together with festive glassware or napkins and have senior family members and kids in charge of a special place card or decoration. Enjoy working together and bonding over shared activities.
Consider preparing senior-friendly dishes, like nutritious foods that are easy to chew. Discuss dietary restrictions and have a list of ingredients ready for those with allergies or special diets.
If your senior loved one is staying home on Thanksgiving, consider hiring an in-home caregiver from Visiting Angels Annapolis to assist withmeal preparation. We can help prepare their favorite Thanksgiving foods, set the table, wash dishes and provide meaningful companionship before, during and after the meal.
Spend Quality Time with Your Loved Ones
If you were unable to visit your senior loved one earlier this year because of the pandemic, the holiday is a great time to catch up. You can spend Thanksgiving Day watching favorite movies, TV shows or the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Reminiscing over past memories will bring multi-generation smiles, as children enjoy hearing stories about their parents and grandparents as youngsters. Try adult coloring books or a Thanksgiving craft. If your senior loved one enjoys spending time outside, go for a walk around the neighborhood to get some fresh air.
Connect Digitally and Enjoy Virtual Events
If it’s too risky to see your loved one in person, you can connect by telephone call or video chat. If your loved one needs help using their phone, consider the Social Care program from Visiting Angels Annapolis. Our in-home caregivers can teach your loved one how to call, text and FaceTime to stay in touch with friends and family over the holiday.
Many venues are offering virtual events, such as museum tours and live-streamed concerts to enjoy from the comfort of home. Be creative about safe activities. You could take in a show at your local drive-in theatre from the safety of your vehicle or take a drive to see holiday light displays.
To learn how our in-home caregivers can help your loved one safely enjoy Thanksgiving during this unprecedented time, call our Millersville, MD office at 410-505-5141.