Christmas is an exciting time of year, with all the lights, sounds, and tastes of the season. For some seniors, Christmas can be a difficult time of year. Seniors may feel increased isolation and loneliness if they’re apart from family and friends. Encourage your other family members to visit your aging loved one during the holiday season and do activities together.
1. Singing Christmas Songs
Singing or listening to holiday songs together is sure to bring the spirit of the season to your loved one. Pick out some of your loved one’s favorites and make a playlist. If you can locate a record player, consider using it, as phonographs produce a unique sound your loved one may enjoy. If your loved one is up to it, you may even consider caroling together to spread Christmas cheer. Listening to Christmas songs may be especially helpful for seniors with dementia. Though seniors with dementia may have a difficult time with memory, studies have found music can help with cognition and have a calming effect on seniors who are agitated.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
2. Looking at Christmas Displays
Nearby homes with holiday lights and Christmas displays are fun to look at during the season. Bundle your loved one up, grab some hot cocoa, and drive around to look at the lights together. If you can, do some research ahead of time and find nearby neighborhoods that compete with each other to have the most spectacular decorations. Getting out of the house and into the fresh air may help your loved one feel rejuvenated.
3. Attending Church
Your loved one may not be able to attend church as often as he or she would like, especially if he or she no longer drives. Feed your loved one’s spiritual needs by taking him or her to church or the worship service of his or her choice. Staying connected spiritually may help your loved one battle feelings of depression and anxiety.
Every senior has different needs when aging in place. Some simply need occasional assistance with household chores, while others may be managing serious illnesses and require more extensive live-in care. Auburn seniors can count on Home Care Assistance to provide the in-home care they need and deserve.
4. Volunteering
Many seniors feel they’re no longer needed as their children and grandchildren grow up and move away. Remind your loved one that he or she still has much to offer by volunteering. Contact a local food pantry to schedule a time to serve food. If your loved one is housebound, he or she may enjoy making cards for those serving in the military or decorating lunch bags for Ronald McDonald House Charities.
5. Watching Christmas Movies
Holiday classics, such as It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle on 34th Street, have stood the test of time for a good reason—they can take people away from their own problems for a while and help them see the good in the world. Make a healthy snack, such as unsalted popcorn with herbs or fruit with yogurt dip, and watch a Christmas movie together.
6. Making Crafts
Simple craft projects, such as cutting out paper snowflakes or stringing popcorn on thread, are a great way to make your loved one’s house look festive and increase his or her fine motor skills. Seniors with Parkinson’s disease or multiple sclerosis may get special benefits from crafting.
Seniors can face a variety of challenges as they age, many of which can be mitigated with the help of professional in-home caregivers who provide high-quality elderly home care. Auburn families trust Home Care Assistance to help their elderly loved ones age in place safely and comfortably. Home Care Assistance can be your trusted partner in caregiving for your a loved one. Contact one of our experienced Care Managers today at (334) 744-7100 to learn more about our reliable in-home care services.