For many seniors, the holidays aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. They are continuously reminded of things they are not able to do anymore. They are confronted with the facts of where their lives have led to — which for many can be compounded with grief or loss of a spouse, friend or loved one.
If you have a senior loved one in your life, there is no time more important to reach out than at this time. There are some things you can do to make their holiday season special:
- Find time to visit. Take photos from days gone by, family pictures, and other types of momentos to share.
- Either take them or offer to do shopping for them. I always took my mom on a very short shopping trip in her wheelchair, and then made sure I did the rest of her shopping in plenty of time. I always would wrap the presents in front of her, and when it was time to take some gifts to the post office, she always rode along and waited in the car as I mailed them. (Sometimes that completion in their minds are most important.)
- Bring their favorite meal and share it! Even when my own mother was in skilled nursing, I knew her favorite meal was oyster stew. I made arrangements in advance to bring it on Christmas Eve to her. We shared a special area at the back of the dining room, complete with a holiday tablecloth, her china, silver, crystal & candles.
- Make a CD of their favorite music. Record your own voice with your memories of when they played that song when you were young
- Adopt a senior pet from a shelter! Bring the family together to help that senior with its care and upkeep.
- Find a senior center, retirement living, or ethnic center to fill out their special memories.
- Bring Mom or Dad “home” for the holidays. Find ways to include them in the festivities!
- Bring cookies and other baked goods to share with them. Make extra for the staff! When Mom was in assisted living, I set up a table outside her room that had a big candy dish filled with Christmas Candy, and a note to encourage everyone to take one! Mom loved that she could “give” to those around her.
- Take a ride in the car and look at all the lights! Even if your parent is not able to come to your home, I am betting you can get nursing staff to help them get into the car for a ride around the neighborhood to view the beautiful lights!
- Most importantly — Don’t forget to tell them just how much you love them, and how important they are to you in your life.
