Making the holidays special for seniors can involve such simple things as spending time together and cooking a special meal or two.
Nostalgia has a powerful effect on seniors. By making the holidays special for them, you can improve their quality of life. The magic of the holiday season doesn’t necessarily wear away with age. Seniors get nostalgic during the holidays, and many still want to celebrate.
CREATING A SPECIAL HOLIDAY MEAL
There are many holiday meals that are heart healthy for seniors. You can find many recipes on web sites such as aplaceformom.com, tasteofhome.com, or health.com. Use these ideas to get started:
Main Dishes:
Roasted, lightly seasoned turkey breast
Sweet potato pasta with ground turkey
Turkey meatloaf
Sides:
Pan seared Brussels sprouts with cranberries and pecans
Roasted green beans with almonds
Lemon orzo salad
Desserts:
Oatmeal cookies with cinnamon and raisins
Peppermint tea
Lemon bars
Dress the Meal Up:
Use holiday napkins and/ or tablecloths
Help seniors dress up for the meal
Invite loved ones to share the meal with a senior
MAKING HOLIDAY MEMORIES
So much of the holiday season is about reminiscing, reflecting, and togetherness. For some seniors, this can be a challenge due to memory issues, health concerns, or family members living far away. You can sweeten the season by intentionally spreading holiday cheer and making memories.
Softly play holiday music, including songs that were popular in past decades.
Share your favorite holiday memories and ask seniors about theirs.
Read holiday cards together and use them to decorate.
Create a holiday craft with a senior or help them select/make gifts for loved ones.
Take a drive to see holiday lights and décor.
Look through old photo albums and reminisce with seniors as they share stories.
ONE MAJOR BENEFIT
Depression is common during the holiday season, especially among seniors. Feeling sad and alone isn’t good for seniors’ health. When you brighten the holidays for seniors, you may be increasing their lifespan and improving their quality of life.
COPING WITH HOLIDAY HARDSHIPS
The holidays can be stressful for seniors, as well as risky for their health. Help seniors avoid and cope with these challenges.
Don’t plan back-to-back activities.
Be mindful of the weather.
Keep tissues and hand sanitizer available. Encourage hand-washing frequently.
Schedule time to connect virtually with long-distance loved ones.
Don’t upset routines like bedtimes.
Keep fiber and other nutrients in their diet.
Remain positive and sensitive!
HOME CARE TIP
Some decorations for the holidays can be dangerous for seniors. Be sure that décor like lights, candles, hanging ornaments, glass pieces, and linens are not in places where seniors would be endangered if they slip, fall, or forget to turn something on or off.
At EPAGA Home Care, our caregivers are thoroughly trained in providing care to seniors and those with disabilities, from companionship to 24-hour care.
For more information on how we can assist you or your loved one, please visit our services page at the link below.