December 9, 2020 by
Think of the most perfect holiday season you can imagine. While that image may vary a bit for each of us, it might include gifts, lights, good food, and traditions passed down through the generations. Yet what most certainly rings true for all of us is the joy in spending the holidays with seniors and other family members we love.
Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, caused us all to rethink how to safely enjoy the holidays with our older loved ones. With a bit of creativity and ingenuity, however, it’s possible to bridge the gap and make new memories with the seniors you love, even if you can’t be with them in person this year.
Our aging care experts have compiled several ideas to get you started:
- Tweak traditions. Think through the traditions that mean the most to you and your family, and how you can modify them to keep everyone safe. For instance, if the family typically gets together each year to bake cookies, you can use Zoom or a similar platform to stay connected while baking from home. Pick a favorite recipe, have everyone log in at a designated time, and bake away while chatting and listening to some holiday music.
- Don’t forego decorating. Older adults who live alone often look forward to having family members, especially grandchildren, visit to help with holiday decorating. Without in-person visits, seniors may not be motivated to bother with decorations. Again, using a software program like Zoom, arrange a time for everyone to get together online and share the stories behind favorite decorations.
- Enjoy the great outdoors. If weather permits, plan brief visits with seniors outside, safely socially distant and with face coverings. String lights on trees in the yard and decorate the front porch. In the event of snow, have the children build a snowman or engage in a snowball fight while your older loved ones watch from the window.
- Send smiles. Pictures, cards, letters, phone calls, small gifts, etc. will all mean so much to older adults who are missing time with loved ones. Coordinate with family members to take turns reaching out as much as possible in ways like 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 or her life. Take this time to express your gratitude to the seniors you love for the difference they’ve made in your life, and be specific: “Mom, your patience with me when I was a teenager taught me what unconditional love looks like, and because of you, I’m a more patient person with my own children.”
At Home Independent Living, the leaders in Syracuse in home senior care (and surrounding areas) provides caregivers who are fully trained and experienced in enhancing quality of life for older adults at home, and we follow stringent safety protocols for everyone’s protection. Contact us at (315) 579-4663 to see how we can help make this holiday season the best it can be for a senior you love with customized, professional home care services.