The most important thing you can do with a senior to make them feel loved and included this season is to simply spend time with them in a safe way. Look at family photos, watch home videos or holiday movies, listen to seasonal music, or do crafts together.?
From Agingcare.com, tips to reducing loneliness during the holidays:
- Make a point of actively listening when your loved one wants to talk, even if the discussion is negative. An honest and empathetic conversation can help them process what is bothering them, whether they are mourning a loss or coming to terms with new challenges in life.
- Remind them how important they are as a part of your life, your family members’ lives and these annual holiday celebrations. Encourage them to do what they are capable of and be especially careful not to act like what you do for them is done out of a sense of duty. Show them they are loved.?
- Over the years, holiday cards often bring bad news and diminish in quantity. Ask family members and friends to contribute cards, photographs or drawings to help keep the senior’s seasonal mail more upbeat.
- Help your loved one see that you are trying to simplify your holiday plans to focus on the real meaning of these celebrations. Remind them that they have taught you the importance of family and friendship and thank them for that.
- If a senior is in a long-term care facility, check with the activities director to see if they can arrange for children to do virtual or distanced visits with or performances for the residents. New activities and interactions with younger generations can be very uplifting for elders who are in physical or emotional pain.
- Check with your loved one’s religious organization to see if they can offer extra social and/or spiritual support. Just having someone to talk to can go a long way toward relieving depression.?
- Help them add festive touches to their home or room in the long-term care facility. Many seniors enjoy reflecting on past holidays as they unpack cherished decorations, so be sure to listen to their stories and ask about special pieces. If you can’t be there in person, at least phone or video call while they’re decking the halls.
- Cook traditional baked goods or treats with your loved one if it is safe to get together in person. If they reside in an assisted living facility or nursing home, bring familiar treats that represent your holiday customs for your elder to enjoy and share with their friends.
- If traditional holiday parties or gatherings can’t be held in a safe way, call your elder’s friends and/or family to see if they would be able to attend a virtual gathering instead. Realizing that the people they care about dialed in to spend time with them is priceless for an elder. Consider keeping virtual get-togethers small for elders with dementia so they do not get confused or overwhelmed.
- The holidays can certainly be fun and relaxing for all. With just a little pre-planning and additional thought, seniors will enjoy the holidays as much as everyone else, creating new memories that the whole family will take pleasure in and remember for a lifetime.And, if in the middle of the holiday hustle and bustle you might like the help and support of a professional care partner from Touching Hearts at Home, provider of the best in-home companion care in the area. Contact us at (315) 503-4896 or [email protected] to learn more about how we can brighten the holidays for you and yours. Have a safe and happy holiday!
