It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Families are coming together, the anticipation and excitement for Christmas are here, and you will soon be surrounded by the ones you love most. Unfortunately, some seniors experience loneliness during the holidays. Knowing how to care for your senior during the holidays can reduce some of that isolation and help them reconnect with their loved ones. Read below for some ways to remind your seniors that they are loved and a very important part of many people’s lives.
Include them. The holidays can be full of festive activities, especially with family. Including your loved one in those activities is crucial for their mental health. Make it known to your senior that you and everyone else want to be around them.
Favorite meals. Growing up, your senior might have had a recipe that they cooked around the holidays. Including a favorite treat or meal will make your senior feel loved and cared for. Making a dish that was a tradition can stimulate the brain of a senior who has cognitive decline and trigger a much-cherished memory.
Decorating. Offer to help decorate your senior’s home with Christmas decorations to help get them in the holiday mood. End the decorating party with holiday cookie baking and a good Christmas movie.
Photo albums. Reflect on past holidays within photo albums. Photo albums can bring back memories and share a safe space to remember happy thoughts. Some memories might bring tears, and that is okay! Both sad and happy memories are healthy to show and release normal feelings.
The holiday season can be overwhelming sometimes. At Evergreen Place and Evergreen Village in Normal, we want to help make your loved one’s holidays as stress-free as possible. The key is to provide a safe and loving space for your senior to enjoy themselves in their own way. Stay safe and happy holidays from Evergreen Senior Living in Normal.
