VISITING ANGELS CRYSTAL LAKE, IL 815-479-0312
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Making the Holidays Special for Your Senior Loved Ones

Making the Holidays Special for Your Senior Loved Ones

The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate. Unfortunately, with over 25% of seniors living alone, many feel isolated during the holidays. Therefore, making your senior loved ones feel connected and included during this special time of year is crucial. 

Here are tips on making the holidays special for your senior loved ones. 

Create Your Own Holiday Traditions

The holidays can be overwhelming for seniors who cannot participate in their usual activities. Encourage your senior loved one to join in on the festivities by creating new traditions they can do safely from home. For example, consider baking treats together over Zoom or having a virtual tour of a nearby Christmas tree farm. 

Hiring a home care provider can also give your senior loved one the chance to participate in holiday activities, such as decorating for Christmas or visiting family. Not only will these activities help them stay connected, but it also allows everyone involved an opportunity to create lasting memories with each other. 

Engage in Meaningful Conversation

It’s easy to get lost in the stress of the holidays, so take time out of your week to have meaningful conversations with your senior loved one. Ask them about their favorite tradition from when they were growing up or encourage them to talk about any funny holiday stories they may have. Not only will these conversations fill you both with joy, but they will also help maintain a strong connection between you two—especially if you’re unable to see each other in person.

Writing letters or postcards can also keep you connected if your loved one has trouble hearing.

Make Their Environment Comfortable

Seniors need attention and care during the holidays, with their physical and emotional needs being a top priority. Ensure your loved one’s environment is comfortable by making their living space warm, cozy, and safe—free of any hazards or trip-and-fall risks. 

You can also employ a home care provider to help with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, and dressing. Caregivers also provide companionship, which can be especially beneficial for seniors feeling lonely during the holidays.

Give Thoughtful Gifts

Gift-giving is an integral part of many holiday traditions around the world, so why not give your senior loved one a thoughtful gift? Give them something personalized, like a photo album filled with pictures of your family or a custom recipe book featuring all their favorite dishes. 

Small gifts like these can go a long way toward making them feel seen and appreciated this holiday season while also providing them with something they can cherish forever.

Play Their Favorite Songs

Music has the power to transport us back in time and reconnect us with our favorite memories. Put together a playlist of your senior loved one’s favorite songs, or host a virtual listening party where you can all listen together. Music is an excellent way to bring everyone closer, especially during this special time of year. 

Christmas songs are a delightful way to get into the holiday spirit. For many seniors, these songs offer a reminder of the joy and happiness the holidays can bring.

Take Photos

The holidays pass by quickly, so capturing as many moments as possible is crucial. Take photos of your senior loved one surrounded by loved ones or doing their favorite activities. Christmas cards can serve as a reminder of the time you spent together and are a great way to keep your family connected even when you’re not physically together. 

Plus, you’ll all have something to reflect on and smile about. 

Put up Holiday Decorations

One of the most beloved holiday traditions is decorating a Christmas tree. Invite your senior loved one to join you in putting up decorations and ornaments. Allow them to reminisce about past holiday memories and listen to the stories they tell. Decorating together will create a cozy atmosphere that’ll make your senior loved ones feel at home. 

You can also visit and help them decorate their home or go shopping for decorations or a tree together. 

Cook or Bake Their Favorite Meal

Food is essential to the holidays, so why not take this opportunity to create something special for your senior loved one? You can make or bake their favorite holiday dish, or you can try something new together. Family recipes may also add a personal touch to your holiday meal. 

Cooking with your loved one is an excellent way to bond and share memories of the holidays. Additionally, you’ll both get to enjoy the delicious creations together. 

Conclusion

The holiday season is about coming together as family and friends and celebrating each other’s company. We can make our senior loved ones feel included by implementing meaningful activities like creating new traditions, having meaningful conversations, or giving thoughtful gifts.

At Visiting Angels Crystal Lake, IL, we specialize in providing senior care services, including companion and home care. We are devoted to providing quality care to seniors and their families during the holidays and all year long. Contact us online or call 815-479-0312 to learn how we can support your loved one during the holidays.

Serving Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
228 Florence St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-479-0312

Serving Crystal Lake, McHenry, Woodstock, Cary, Barrington, Algonquin, Palatine, Lake Zurich and Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels CRYSTAL LAKE, IL
228 Florence St
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
Phone: 815-479-0312