As a home care provider for an elderly loved one, it’s normal to feel disappointment or frustration that certain traditions from years past can no longer be executed as your senior ages. However, there is no need to give up on making the season a joy-filled one. Here are some ways to ensure that the holiday season is an exciting time for your senior and your family.
Get them involved
The home care professionals of Always Best Care Asheville-Hendersonville explain that simply getting your senior involved is one of the best ways to make the holiday season a happy time. Even if your elderly loved one is not as mobile as they once were, there are plenty of ways to ensure that they get into the holiday spirit too. Holiday activities can easily be adapted to fit your loved one’s ability levels.
Have them help you polish the menorah, wrap presents, decorate the tree, or mail holiday cards. If they are unable to get fully involved in these activities, encourage them to keep you company as you do them. This allows them to enjoy the festivities, regardless of what they can or cannot do on their own. You can also read them holiday stories, or have them join you in singing Christmas carols.
Invite visitors, but don’t overwhelm your senior
If your elderly loved one is missing out on the fun of holiday parties this season, why not bring the party to them? It doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Serve traditional foods, play holiday music, and add decorations to their home. However, remember to approach the situation from your senior’s point of view. You may think that inviting the whole extended family over is a great way to cheer your senior up, but to them this may be confusing. If they have not seen some of the relatives in years and struggle to remember who they are, they may start to feel overwhelmed. For this reason, you’ll want to keep the guest list small and full of familiar faces.
In order to keep the experience pleasant for everyone involved, spend some time going over the guest list with your senior before company arrives. You may want to show them pictures of the people who will be coming, and remind them how they know this person. This can help them to feel more comfortable as unfamiliar people enter their home.
Lastly, flexibility is key when it comes to celebrating the holidays with your senior. Put plans into place, but don’t be afraid to change them if it becomes clear that your senior is feeling tired or overwhelmed.
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