Think of the ideal holiday season you can envision. While that image may vary a little for each of us, it could include gifts, good food, lights, and traditions handed down through the generations. Yet what most certainly holds for all of us is enjoying spending time with the people we love.
Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused us to reconsider the best way to safely experience the holidays with our elderly loved ones while preventing social isolation for them. However, with a bit of creativity and ingenuity, it is feasible to bridge the gap and make new memories with the seniors you love, even if you cannot be together with them in person this season.
Our care professionals have put together several ideas to allow you to get started:
Modify traditions. Consider the traditions that mean the most to you and your family and how you can change them to help keep everyone safe. For example, if everyone gets together every year to bake cookies, try using Zoom or a comparable platform to stay connected while making cookies from home. Decide on a favorite recipe, have everyone sign in at a specified time, and bake away while talking and listening to some holiday music.
Don’t do away with decorations. Seniors who live alone frequently look forward to having loved ones, particularly grandchildren, visit to assist with holiday decorating. Without in-person visits, seniors may not be motivated to bother with decorations. Again, using a software app like Zoom, coordinate a time for the whole family to get together online and share the stories behind treasured ornaments.
Enjoy the wonderful outdoors. If the weather allows plan short visits with older adults outside, safely socially distant, and face coverings. String lights on bushes in the yard and decorating the front porch.
Send smiles. Letters, cards, pictures, telephone calls, small gifts, etc., will all mean a great deal to senior loved ones who miss 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 have made on their life. Take this time to express your appreciation to the older adults you love for the difference they have made in your life, and be specific: “Dad, your patience with me when I was an adolescent taught me what unconditional love looks like, and thanks to you, I am a far more patient person with my kids.”
Modern Health Home Care, expert companion care providers in Philadelphia and the surrounding communities, are trained and experienced in enhancing the quality of life for senior loved ones at home and following strict safety protocols for every person’s protection. Contact us at 215.995.2012 to discover how we can help make this holiday season the best it can be for a senior you love with our trusted in-home care services.
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