One of the best things about the holidays is that they allow us to spend time with our friends, family, and loved ones. If you have a senior loved one joining you at the table this holiday season, you want to make sure they can be a part of all the fun. Learn how to help seniors during the holidays, and you’ll have the celebration you’ve been looking forward to.
How to Help Seniors During the Holidays
There’s nothing quite like having the whole family with you during the holidays. The laughter, the fun, and the memories you’ll share are the best part of any special day. If you have a senior loved one in your family, you may be wondering how you can make their holidays merry and bright. Learn how to help seniors during the holidays, and they’ll also be a part of the magic.
Include Your Senior Loved One as Much as Possible
Unfortunately, some seniors experience social isolation as they age, and can occasionally feel left out of the events that used to feel so special. You can help your senior loved one feel included and important at your holiday events by ensuring they’re always invited and involving them in the planning as much as possible. Ask if they’d like to help prepare food, choose table settings, or take on other holiday tasks. It wouldn’t be the holidays without them!
Make Sure Their Favorites Are on the Table
Does your senior loved one have a favorite side dish or seasonal treat? If so, it’s a great idea to include it on the menu. Not only will it help them feel seen and loved, but a powerful connection between food and memory gives seniors extra enjoyment when they have their favorite foods. As a bonus, familiar sights, sounds, smells, and tastes benefit seniors with age-related memory issues, as they can help comfort seniors during hectic times like holiday meals.
Revisit a Beloved Tradition
Speaking of those old favorite holiday things, you can probably think of a few family traditions that your senior loved one will appreciate. Ask before the event if there’s a favorite movie they’d like to watch or a holiday story they can help you share with the little ones. Following family traditions can show a senior that you value the memories you made with them in the past, as well as the memories you’re making with them now.
Help Them Look Their Best
Have you ever had a family spa day? Whether you take everyone to the nail salon for a holiday manicure or pamper yourselves with face masks at home, helping your senior loved one look their best for the holidays is a great way to show you care. You can help them choose an outfit or primp in whatever way makes them look and feel at their best. Taking a little time to groom can help a senior’s confidence in social interactions, and it’s also an excellent way to spend some extra time together.
Enjoy Every Moment
The best way to help your senior loved one enjoy their holiday with you is to focus on being present. Involve them however they’re comfortable, and encourage them to participate in whatever ways are fun and accessible to them. They’ll feel the warmth and the love from you and their family, and that’s what makes a holiday special.
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How will you and your loved ones celebrate the holidays this year? No matter how you celebrate, we wish you the best and hope you have a wonderful new year.
Are you planning to retire in Greenville, South Carolina? Be sure to check out The Gables on Pelham, a continuing care retirement community that welcomes seniors from all walks of life. We offer flexible and personalized care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation. You’ll love our cozy accommodations, fun-filled events calendar, and welcoming community atmosphere. To learn more, please schedule a tour or give us a call at 864-713-1377.