Celebrating Thanksgiving with Seniors in Bethesda, MD During COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic will change the way families in Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties 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 the holiday with senior family members while following safe health guidelines.
As always, remember to wear masks, social distance and wash your hands often for added protection. In addition, in-home caregivers from Visiting Angels of Bethesda are always here to keep your loved one company if they choose to celebrate Thanksgiving at home.
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 to visit your senior relative this year and your gathering is small, preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be fun for the whole family. Team up to make the mashed potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie. Set the table together with festive glassware or napkins and have senior relatives 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 of Bethesda to assist with meal 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 relatives earlier in the 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 is mobile, 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 of Bethesda. 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 in-home caregivers from Visiting Angels of Bethesda are helping seniors celebrate Thanksgiving during this unprecedented time, call us at 301-490-9050.