The busyness of the holiday season can be overwhelming and downright exhausting for many older adults. Everyone spends so much time running errands, shopping, and going to parties. Seniors can sometimes feel left out of the festivities. With a little preparation, appropriate modifications to your favorite family traditions can be made. This pre-planning will ensure your family enjoys holiday activities together – including seniors. The Nashville home care team at Caregivers by WholeCare suggests the following:
Senior-Friendly Holiday Fun:
Sing holiday songs together. Put on a holiday-themed CD or DVD, or gather around the piano for an old-fashioned holiday singalong.
Enjoy a local holiday play. During this time of year, local high schools, colleges, and community theaters abound with holiday plays and programs. Take the whole family out for a fun, low-key evening, and then head back home for some hot chocolate and cookies.
Decorate the senior’s home. Decorations are a great way to get everyone in the holiday spirit. Bring the whole family over to help your senior loved one set up and decorate a tree, hang wreaths, or string lights. Also, be sure you’re available after the holidays to help take down and store the decorations.
Create a holiday photo album. Sorting through old holiday pictures and reminiscing is fun for all ages. This is a wonderful, simple way to include an older adult in the festivities.
Curl up to watch a holiday movie. Everyone enjoys classic holiday films like It’s a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Pop some popcorn and gather together on the sofa for some festive, quality time.
Home Care Tip:
When planning holiday activities for seniors, it’s important to make sure your expectations are realistic and activities are never rushed. It’s amazing how slowing down a bit helps us better enjoy the beauty of this special season. For more tips on how to help seniors have a happy holiday or to learn more about our home care or respite care services, contact the Nashville home care experts at Caregivers by WholeCare. Reach us any time at 615-298-9201 with questions or arrange a free in-home consultation. We are ready to discuss ways we can improve the quality of life of your senior loved one – right in the comfort of home.