Think about the most ideal holiday season you can imagine. While that image may vary a bit for each of us, it might include lights, gifts, good food, and traditions passed down through the generations. However, what most certainly rings true for everyone is the enjoyment in spending time with the ones we love.
Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has, of course, caused all of us to rethink the very best way to safely enjoy the holidays with seniors. With a little bit of ingenuity and creativity, however, it is feasible to bridge the gap and make new memories with the seniors you love, even if you are not able to be with them in person this year.
Our aging care professionals have put together a handful of ideas to get you started:
- Adjust traditions. Consider the traditions that mean the most to you and your family and how to change 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. Select a favorite recipe, have everyone log on at a specified time, and bake away while visiting and listening to some holiday music.
- Don’t forego decorating. Senior loved ones who live alone frequently look forward to having family members, especially grandchildren, visit to help with holiday decorating. Without in-person visits, seniors might not be motivated to bother with decorations. Again, using a software app like Zoom, schedule a time for everyone to get together online and share the stories behind treasured decorations.
- Enjoy the great outdoors. If weather allows, plan short visits with seniors outside, safely socially distance and wear face coverings. String lights on bushes around the yard and decorate the front porch.
- Send smiles. Letters, cards, pictures, phone calls, small gifts, etc. will all mean a great deal to seniors who will be missing time with family and friends. Coordinate with members of the family to take turns reaching out as much as possible in ways similar to this so that your older senior loved ones are flooded with expressions of love.
- Share your emotions. There is 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 appreciation towards the seniors you love for the difference they have made in your life, and be specific: “Dad, your patience with me when I was a teenager taught me what unconditional love looks like, and because of you, I am a far more patient person with my own children.”
Seniorcorp’s caregivers are fully trained and experienced in improving quality of life for seniors at home, and follow rigorous safety protocols for everyone’s protection. Call us at 757-640-0557 to discover the ways our senior care in Portsmouth and the surrounding communities can help make holidays with seniors the very best it can be for loved ones.
