VISITING ANGELS JOPLIN, MO 417-781-1000
Facebook YouTube X Instagram LinkedIn

Holidays with Seniors

As we embrace this season of gratitude and giving, perhaps your elderly loved ones are on your mind. You may be wondering how to include them in family activities and make meaningful memories in the midst of all the hustle and bustle. Visiting Angels Joplin is here to help. Below, you’ll find practical tips for making the most of the holidays and information about the extra support we can provide during the busy weeks ahead.


Tips for Helping Seniors Navigate the Holidays


1)  Plan ahead to include seniors in activities.


The holidays are hectic, and as our schedules fill up with parties and programs, we can neglect older family members. It may help to sit down and make a list of the holiday activities your family usually enjoys together. Then, take a few moments to consider how you could include older loved ones in those activities.


For example, maybe you take an annual drive around town to look at Christmas lights and your senior could ride along. Perhaps you like to decorate cookies and could invite senior family members to join the fun. It might take a little extra planning, but your loved one would be thrilled to enjoy many of these holiday activities with you.


2) Consider simplifying or modifying traditions.


Some families will also want to consider simplifying or modifying their annual traditions. Older adults may not have the stamina to join you for an all-day shopping extravaganza but would love to be included on a short trip to a local shop. Your senior may no longer be able to host a big holiday meal, but could supervise the preparation of everyone’s favorite family dishes.


When family traditions are simplified or modified to accommodate older family members, they feel important and included. Even when their limitations keep them from participating, we can often find ways for them to be present and involved. Elderly adults won't be sledding with the kids, but they might like to watch from the window or see pictures on your phone when you stop by later for a visit.


3) Be ready to listen.


For many folks, the holidays can be long and difficult months. This is especially true for those who've lost a spouse or child. It's easy to forget that some of our loved ones could use extra kindness and support during this season. Seniors may be flooded with memories, both happy and sad, and they may need someone to listen. Be available to look at photo albums, share memories, or lend an ear on a melancholy day.


How Visiting Angels Joplin Can Help


The home care services that Visiting Angels Joplin provides are useful year-round, but many of our families find that we are especially helpful to them during the holidays. We offer a wide spectrum of home care services, ranging from light housekeeping to help with personal hygiene to medication reminders and transportation services.


During the holidays, our caregivers pay special attention to the details that make this season bright for seniors. For example, we assist with holiday shopping, errand running, and present wrapping. Our caregivers can put up Christmas decorations and give your senior's home a festive touch. We keep them company as they watch their favorite holiday specials on TV and help them open and enjoy greeting cards as they arrive in the mail.


A Visiting Angels caregiver can also attend parties and family functions as a special caregiver for your loved one. Among other things, we can transport seniors to their holiday events, provide help using the bathroom, and assist with mobility during the party. Our Visiting Angels families find that when we take care of these small details, they are free to focus on enjoying time together.


We would be honored to partner with your family in caring for your aging loved one during the holiday season or throughout the year. Let's talk about how Visiting Angels Joplin can serve the senior you love by providing dignified and compassionate care. Give us a call today!


Serving Joplin, Carthage, Neosho, Lamar, Monett, Mt. Vernon, MO and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels JOPLIN, MO
1736 S Main St,
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone: 417-781-1000

Serving Joplin, Carthage, Neosho, Lamar, Monett, Mt. Vernon, MO and the Surrounding Areas

Visiting Angels JOPLIN, MO
1736 S Main St,
Joplin, MO 64804
Phone: 417-781-1000