VISITING ANGELS RICHMOND, VA 804-353-0000
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Sharing the Love with Seniors on Valentine’s Day

For many, the month of February holds anticipation for celebrating love. After all, Valentine’s Day occurs on February 14th. Stores remind us all to purchase chocolates, flowers, cards, and other mementos to show those we are closest too just how much we love them. Commercials advertise the perfect diamond, while restaurants remind us all to make those reservations before it’s too late.

Yet for some seniors, Valentine’s Day can be a day filled with pang. Some moments of grief are sure to arise when a senior has lost their spouse. What should be a day to celebrate love only amplifies the loss they’ve experienced. Even those seniors with a spouse who’s still living can experience waves of grief, when they’ve more or less lost their spouse to dementia, memory loss, or chronic illness. If you have an aging loved one that may be susceptible to feelings of loneliness or grief on Valentine’s Day, here are a few ways you can share the love with them.

Flood Their Mailbox
Coordinate with family and friends to ensure that your aging loved one’s mailbox is flooded with valentine’s and notes of appreciation. Ask grandchildren to create special valentine cards. Write a love letter to your mom or dad, reminding them that they’re important to you. Include photos or create a mini photo album so that your aging loved one can bask in the love of the extended family. Send flowers to brighten their day or chocolates to remind them that they are not forgotten.

Take Them on a Date
Many couples prioritize their relationship on Valentine’s Day, and that’s important. However, celebrating the love an aging loved one shares in your family is important too. Treat them to a special date, just the two of you. Whether it’s your elderly grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle, or parent, they will feel loved and appreciated when you initiate one-on-one time with just them. Take them somewhere that holds meaning for the two of you, or try a new restaurant or experience.

Invite Them for a Family Celebration
If you’re planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your immediate family, include your aging loved on in the festivities. Invite them for family dinner and game night. Ask them to come over to feast at your heart-shaped themed breakfast. Not only include them, but ask them to participate to their ability. Let them make the pancakes or dessert. Give them something specific to be in charge of so that they feel welcomed and have something to look forward to on a day that may be difficult for them.

Reminisce
Many adults struggle with how to proceed when it comes to their aging loved one and a deceased or ill spouse. Instead of shying away or avoiding the person altogether, spend time reminiscing with your aging loved one about the love of their life. Do you know how they met? What was their favorite date or restaurant? How did they celebrate anniversaries? What was the best gift they ever received from that person? Consider putting together a memory album, filled with old photos and notes. Linger over coffee while you listen to your loved one share stories and memories. Recognize that there may be tears and let them lead the conversation. If they’re ready to move on, change the topic.

Most importantly, remember that your time and presence can bring much joy on a day that might otherwise be filled with bittersweet memories. A phone call, a handwritten note, or simply showing up to visit means so much for seniors who may be struggling with loneliness. If you are concerned about your aging loved one, know that Visiting Angels Richmond is here to help. Many of our clients enjoy the gift of companionship provided by our compassionate caregivers. We not only assist seniors with their non-medical needs so that they can live safely and independently in the comfort of their own home, but we empower our caregivers to form a genuine companionships with their clients. To learn more about our senior home care services, or to leave a review, please contact us today and schedule your free in-home assessment.

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000

Serving communities in the Metro Richmond Area including Richmond, Mechanicsville, Glen Allen, Short Pump, Henrico & Hanover Counties

Visiting Angels RICHMOND, VA
4914 Radford Ave #211
Richmond, VA 23230
Phone: 804-353-0000