The holidays are a joyful time of year for many, but for some, it can be a lonely time as well.
For seniors who might be living in a retirement community or nursing home, traveling to visit family isn’t always an option during the holidays whether it’s reasons of limited mobility or other health related reasons, it can bring up a lot of melancholy feelings. This time of year, it’s more important than ever to be supportive of and attentive to the seniors in your life.
Let’s remind ourselves what this holiday season is truly about and take the time to make the seniors in our life feel special and loved. We have 5 simple ways you can spread holiday cheer.
Share a Favorite Meal or Holiday Treats
Food is a universal way to share holiday traditions and spread cheer. Bake your favorite holiday cookies or pie and bring it to your loved ones. Or even better, spend some extra time with them and cook a meal together. Bonus points if it’s a family recipe!
Decorate for the Holidays
Nothing brings a smile to your face more than beautiful holiday decorations. This can be challenging for seniors so why not surprise the seniors in your life with a visit and bring along some festive decorations to put up for them.
Listen to their Stories
Plan some time that you can visit your loved ones during the holiday season. Ask them to share their photo albums with you and to tell you stories of the holiday traditions they remember from their own past. This is especially comforting for those with Alzheimer’s or Dementia as it brings them a sense of familiarity.
Send them Some Love
An easy way to show the seniors in your life that you are thinking of them is by sending them some love. Send holiday cards or gifts. Get the children involved and have them decorate holiday greetings to send. Flood their mailboxes with love this holiday season.
Spend Time Together – Virtually or In Person
The most important thing you can do for the seniors in your life this holiday season is to just be there. If you live nearby, invite them to your family get-togethers. Offer to pick them up and drive them home. If they don’t feel comfortable at a large family gathering, invite them over separately for holiday movies and cookies. Or if your loved ones live far away, set up times where you can FaceTime or Zoom to include them in as many of the festivities as possible.