Help Your Loved One Have a Happy Holiday

For many of us, the holidays are full of tidings and good cheer! Yet for older adults, the Christmas season might not be as happy. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.

Our in-home care providers at Qualicare want to offer you tips on how you can bring holiday cheer to your elderly loved ones this Christmas!

Happy Holidays to All

Older adults can have a difficult time around the holidays for a number of reasons. For one, they can have issues with mobility, which makes it hard to travel to see loved ones this time of year. In addition, they might be on a limited income, which means their finances don’t allow for the travel even if they could make the trip.

For others, the holidays are simply a reminder that they’ve outlived beloved friends and family members, becoming a time of grief and sadness.

As a result, rather than looking forward to the holidays, older adults may dread them. But there are steps you can take to help alleviate this burden and bring some joy to the season.

For starters, if you are unable to visit your elderly loved one this holiday season, consider making him or her a card rather than just sending one. Although sending a holiday card is meaningful, having taken the time to make a Christmas card from the heart can be even more special for your loved one and help bring a smile to his or her face this season! If you can’t make a card, at least spend some time jotting down a personal note in the card.

Second, don’t forget to fill the room with music this time of year! Not only are holiday songs cheerful, but they can also help to resonate memories in your loved one, which can be extremely beneficial if he or she suffers from dementia.

Whether you are able to dance with your loved one while the songs play or you just sit and listen with a cup of cocoa, let the holiday music be played—and enjoyed!

Finally, allow technology to be your friend this time of year. Especially if you are unable to see one another this holiday, use video calling or FaceTime in order to make it as special as possible. This small act can help your loved ones to feel even more connected and present this holiday season!

Are you looking for additional care for your loved one? Contact our in-home care providers at Qualicare to learn how we can help!