MAKE DAD FEEL SPECIAL EVEN WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING
Don’t let Dad feel lost and alone while social distancing on Father’s Day. Even though pandemic fears are still with us, there are plenty of creative ways to remember Dad and spend quality time together. Here are some ways to celebrate and have fun together, whether you are under the same roof or not. We also share some thoughtful gift ideas!
Get creative but be sure to celebrate safely:
- Even if you can’t go to a restaurant to share a special meal, pick up or have Dad’s favorite steak or burger delivered to his door. Don’t forget his favorite dessert. If you can’t share it together in person, facetime or zoom, and be sure to include the grandkids on the call!
- Drive by the home with family members or visit in the driveway from a distance sitting on lawn chairs. An impromptu car parade with waving grandchildren can make this special day an event for those self-quarantining. Whether one car or more, taping a brightly colored Father’s sign to the vehicle and driving by with the horn honking can be exciting for someone cooped up all day. If you can get to a window – even better – hold up handmade cards, and shout I love you through the glass. BE SURE TO CALL AHEAD!
- Many outdoor restrictions have already been lifted in some areas. Arrange for a walk outdoors, visit to the park, stroll on the golf course behind the condo, or a drive by the beach. Bring a mask just in case, but it should be rather easy to observe the 6 foot rule outside.
- Share an experience together, the choices online are endless – for example,
- Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals are free on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdmPjhKMaXNNeCr1FjuMvag/featured
- The NY Philharmonic has performances on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/NewYorkPhilharmonic/
- Travel the hidden world of our national parks and explore nature: https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/national-parks-service/
- Enjoy the collections of the Vatican museum from your armchair: http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/collezioni/musei/tour-virtuali-elenco.html
- Swim into the Georgia Aquarium: https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/webcam/indo-pacific-barrier-reef/
- Quiet time in the home lends itself to card games, scrabble, puzzles, reminiscing through old photos – remember the best gift is the gift of your time!
- Gourmet delivery sites are still taking orders for gift baskets to be delivered, but you must order in advance, not wait till the last minute.
- You can still pop a card in the mail – enclose a recent photo and special handwritten note to make it even more special. Or arrange for a gift card from Dad’s favorite store with a special message.
- Give the gift of technology! Order a kindle, tablet, Echo, or even a ViewClix which not only displays photos but acts as a device that receives video calls. Great for those with early dementia or poor eyesight, there is nothing to press due to an auto-answer feature: https://viewclix.com/.
- Make up a gift basket yourself to drop off with new PJs, slippers or no-slip socks, a new coffee mug, grooming items for men and after shave etc. If you can visit and stay for a while, bring some muffins or cookies to share as well.
- Get crafty with Dad and make a custom mask: https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/a32110323/how-to-make-no-sew-bandana-face-mask/, or your own hand sanitizer: https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-make-hand-sanitizer/.
We hope you enjoy Sunday, June 21st! All of us send a special shout out to all the wonderful Dads, Step-Dads, Grand-Dads, Uncles, and Nephews out there holding families together!!
CONTACT US: Let Dad know he’s special every day, not just on holidays. Consider the gift of home care services or companionship care to help with his every day needs in the home. It can give you peace of mind, as well as eliminate the added stress that comes with being a family caregiver. If you have assessed your loved one’s needs lately and seen a decline, or feel there is room for improvement in the quality of their life, please contact us for a free consultation. Help is more affordable than you think. Call 561-327-7611.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
This article is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice.