Think of the most perfect holiday season you can picture. While that image can vary slightly for each of us, it may include lights, good food, gifts, and traditions handed down through the generations. Yet what most definitely holds true for all of us is the satisfaction in spending time with those we love.
Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has, admittedly, caused us all to rethink the best ways to safely enjoy the holidays with our older family members. With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, however, it is feasible to bridge the gap while making new memories with the seniors you love, even if you cannot be with them in person this season.
Our aging care experts have gathered a variety of tips for you to learn how to help aging parents this holiday season:
- Modify traditions. Consider the traditions that mean the most to you as well as your family, and how it is possible to change them to help keep everyone safe. For instance, if the family usually gets together each year to bake cookies, you might use Zoom or a similar platform to stay connected while baking from home. Pick a favorite recipe, have everybody log on at a designated time, and bake away while talking and listening to some holiday music.
- Don’t do away with decorating. Senior loved ones who live alone frequently look forward to having family members, especially grandchildren, visit to assist with holiday decorations. Without in-person visits, older adults may not be interested in decorating. Again, using a software program like Zoom, coordinate a time for everyone to get together online and share the stories behind favorite decorations.
- Enjoy the fantastic outdoors. If weather allows, plan brief visits with seniors outside, safely socially distanced along with face coverings. String lights on bushes in the yard and decorate the front porch. In case there is snow, have the children build a snowman or engage in a snowball fight while your older loved ones watch from the window.
- Send smiles. Letters, cards, pictures, phone calls, small gifts, etc. will all mean a great deal to older adults who are missing time with family and friends. Coordinate with family members to take turns reaching out as much as possible in ways similar to this so your older loved ones are inundated with expressions of love.
- Share your feelings. There’s nothing quite as heartwarming as hearing from someone you love about the impact you’ve made on his/her life. Take this time to convey your thankfulness towards the older adults you love for the difference they’ve made in your daily life, and be specific: “Grandma, your patience with me when I was a teenager taught me what unconditional love looks like, and thanks to you, I’m a far more patient person with my own children.”
Independence-4-Seniors Home Care’s care providers are highly trained and experienced in enhancing total wellbeing for seniors at home, and follow rigorous safety protocols for every person’s protection. Call us at (630) 323-4665 or fill out our online contact form to learn how we can help make this holiday season the very best it can be for a senior you love by providing the kind of senior care Hinsdale and nearby areas prefer most.