How to Make Thanksgiving Easier for Your Elderly Loved One with the Help of Senior Caregivers

Senior caregivers can help your loved one in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz or Marina, CA enjoy Thanksgiving by providing much-needed elder care services

Thanksgiving is a time to remember all the things we are thankful for - and a time to celebrate with family and close friends. If you have a loved one in the family who requires care at home, you might be worried about how they will hold up during the big family event.

You need not worry too much, as Visiting Angels Central Coast may be able to help. Years of experience as senior caregivers for elderly adults in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz and Marina, CA have helped us give council to our care recipients and their families on how to make holiday celebrations such as Thanksgiving Day more senior-friendly.

Include Senior-Friendly Foods in Your Thanksgiving Menu

Originating from a traditional harvest celebration, Thanksgiving is a time for feasting. However, keep in mind that many seniors often have difficulties chewing or digesting solid foods. This problem may be caused by dental issues, deteriorating taste buds, side effects from medication or certain medical conditions. For this reason, you might want to prepare a part of your Thanksgiving feast menu based on what Mom or Dad can and can’t eat.

Make at least one dish that is easy to chew, especially if your loved one wears dentures. As many seniors need to reduce their sodium intake, try to cut back on salt when preparing meals. If your loved one has a favorite dish that might not be easy to chew such as roast turkey, you can help by cutting their portion into smaller, manageable pieces.

Make Traveling Easier

If you’re going to travel long distances with Mom or Dad this Thanksgiving, consider taking a few steps that can make this journey more comfortable for your loved one. We all know that seniors are more susceptible to low temperatures, so make sure to bring a blanket to keep them cozy and warm. In addition to a blanket, a cushion can also help support your loved one’s posture during the long ride. If Mom or Dad will be spending the holidays away from home, remind them to pack any medications they might need while out of town.

Schedule Professional Elder Care Services

Most caregiving agencies like Visiting Angels Central Coast keep their senior caregivers available throughout the year, including holidays such as Thanksgiving. If you think Mom or Dad could benefit from having a professional caregiver with them to provide care at home to help host dinner or additional assistance for a holiday visit, call their agency to make the arrangements. Having a caregiver around for Thanksgiving will not only provide you with peace of mind knowing your loved one is looked after, but you will also have more time to enjoy the holiday with the whole family.

“Professional elderly care can be a big help over the holidays,” says Larry Meigs, President and CEO of Visiting Angels. “As elderly care providers, it’s important to us that your family — and your loved one — are able to get the most out of your Thanksgiving.”

Call Visiting Angels Central Coast today and learn more about how our senior caregivers can help your loved one. We are here for you!