Get Ready to Celebrate the Holidays With Your Senior Loved One
As you prepare to celebrate the holidays this year, keep in mind it might require a little extra preparation if you’re caring for a senior loved one. In the past, you may have been used to your senior loved one taking on the bulk of the holiday planning, and doing much of his or her own preparations, from gift shopping to setting up decorations. But as your senior loved one ages and slows down, often physically and mentally, you may need to start taking over some of the duties. It doesn’t mean you can't still have a joyous holiday season. But just be mindful that you might have a little more on your plate this year.
Start Planning Now
Sit down with your senior loved one and talk about their vision of the holidays this season. See what is realistic, and what might need a little tweaking. If you plan together, they will likely be more receptive to any changes that might happen. Give them a say in how their holidays will play out. For example, if they still want to host the family gathering, find out if that is something they can actually handle. Would they be more comfortable with you hosting it at your home, and they can still prepare their legendary dish for the family? Or do they still want the whole brood to come over, but you to help with more of the preparations, cooking, and hosting duties? Find out what they want and figure out what is possible.
The holiday weekends speed by fast, with many events on the agenda. Plan now to find out what your senior loved one would like to participate in, and what they don’t mind sitting out this year. Do they want to see downtown Santa Clarita lit up in all of its Christmas glory, but don’t mind skipping midnight mass, which is way past their bedtime these days? Talk with them, find out their priorities and plan ahead.
Prepare for Modifications
While there is plenty of celebrating to be done this year, it is important to realize you might need to make some modifications to your usual holiday routine. Be prepared to have comfortable chairs for your senior loved ones to sit in and take a break from things they used to power through, such as baking cookies and decorating the tree. Realize that you might not be able to head out to watch the Winter Wonderettes live show in Santa Clarita this year, and might need to enjoy a favorite Christmas movie at home instead.
Sadly, your senior also might need to miss out on some events in person, and relive them through you telling about them later over cookies and hot cocoa. If they can make it to an event, take photos and stop by afterwards and tell them all about it. Or take a video, and show them the highlights. If possible, bring some of the events to them. Bring them leftover goodies, or have some guests stop by.
Make Memories
No matter how you celebrate the holidays with your senior loved one this year, make sure you take some time to enjoy the opportunity to be with them. Take photos of your time together. Put your phone down and listen to their stories. Laugh together. Cast aside some of your worries about your senior, and just enjoy being together. If it helps take away some of your stress over the season, you may want to consider hiring a home caregiver. Agencies, such as Visiting Angels Santa Clarita, have trained professionals on staff that can help with everyday tasks such as helping your senior get dressed and bathing them, so that you can enjoy the time you have together, instead of worrying if they are taking their medications or are ready to get to the family outing. Whatever you do, make some memories together as you celebrate the season.
Visiting Angels Can Help
If you are looking for help with a senior loved one this holiday season, our professionals at Visiting Angels Santa Clarita are here for you. We provide a variety of home care services, including fall prevention services, companion care, a safe and steady program, and in-home care for help with daily life activities. Whatever needs your senior loved one has, our trained professionals can help. We can help make the holidays easier for both you and your senior loved one.
Our expert team of caregivers serves clients in Santa Clarita and Antelope Valley. To learn more about our services, call us at 661-263-2273, or fill out an online form here.