Enhancing The Holidays For Our Seniors
Enhancing The Holidays For Our Seniors
Many of us enjoy ourselves during the holiday season. Many seniors, however, often have a hard time and can feel alone and unhappy due to the loss of loved ones and friends. Since there is so much focus on togetherness, family, and friends, these feelings our seniors may be facing throughout the year can become heightened during the holidays.
We are all very busy during the holidays, but we need to be aware of depressed loved ones in our lives and do what we can to help lift their spirits. Family, friends and loved ones are, afterall, what the holidays are all about. Listed below are some things we can do to brighten their day:
1. Tell them how importand and loved they are. Many seniors feel as though they may be a burden because they’re not able to do the things they could do for most of their lives, so encourage them to do what they can and show them you are happy to be there helping them.
2. Help your loved one decorate their home. Most seniors are not physically able to hang christmas lights or put up a tree for their own safety so decorate for them. You can even make your own decorations together such as wreaths, stocking and ornaments to hang around the house. This will lift your senior’s spirits when they see the decorations and think of the wonderful time they spent with you.
3. Invite your loved one for Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. If they’re not able to drive, you can always pick them up so they can enjoy your gathering. If your loved one is in a nursing home or cannot make the trip, make them a plate and spend some time with them while they enjoy the nice dinner.
4. Ask your senior to help you write holiday cards (if possible).
5. Spend a day with your senior- play some of thier favorite holiday music, bake and decorate cookies and enjoy some coffee or tea.
6. Have a movie night- bring some of your loved ones favorite movies, cuddle up under a blanket and snack on popcorn together.
7. Take your loved one to winterhaven (if they are able to travel in the car) to see the holiday lights.
These are just a few ideas that can help enhance the mood for a senior during the holidays. Keep in mind, this can be a very stressful time for many seniors so it’s incredibly important to show them your love and support.
Also, please be mindful of safely travelling with seniors this holiday season and consult their doctor if you’re unsure whether or not they should be travelling. Be sure to have all medications and assitive devices readily available. You should also monitor your loved one throughout the trip to ensure they’re not feeling too fatigued and they are comfortable. Try to maintain your loved one’s routine as much as possible and allow them plenty of time to rest.
The holidays can be such a wonderful time, but also a depressing time for many. If you notice your loved one is feeling down, do your best to show them how much they mean to you.
Southern Arizona Eldercare wishes everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
Love this Kim.
Thank you Leslie!!