Ways to Help Seniors Have a Happier, Healthier Holiday Season

It’s the time of year when family and friends get together to celebrate. However, it can be a challenging time for those with loved ones who don’t live nearby, especially seniors vulnerable to feeling lonely. This makes it difficult for them to stay happy and positive at this time of year.

To help seniors combat feelings of isolation, our long-term care home in Niagara Falls has prepared a guide on what you can do to make it a happier, more joyous time for them. Remember, your love and attention are valuable gifts.

So, whether they live in their own home, an assisted or independent living facility, or a care and wellness centre in the Niagara Region, discover various ways to keep the season merry. It will go a long way towards making the holidays more fun and enjoyable.

Let’s get started.

Help Seniors Enjoy This Holiday Season and Stay Cheerful

Here are some useful ideas from a leading senior care home in Niagara Falls to help aging loved ones stay positive and upbeat this holiday season.

1. Get in the Spirit with Holiday Traditions

Sometimes all anyone needs is a little cheer to get in the holiday spirit. If your aging loved one is feeling blue, remind them about the best parts of the season, like the beautiful and festive decorations, entertainment, and food. You can also bake pies and cookies, make crafts, watch your favourite holiday films, and sing along to your favourite tunes. These activities will remind them of traditions and memories and put them in the right frame of mind to enjoy the coming holiday season.

You may also ask other friends and family to decorate or make presents. Additionally, you could take the senior in your life to go see the lights and decorations in their neighbourhood. By participating in such holiday activities, you can get them in the holiday spirit and make new memories while connecting with them.

2. Include Them in Meal or Event Planning

The holidays are a time for celebrations with friends and family and sharing meals while creating new memories. It’s a great idea to include older loved ones in the planning process, from picking out linens to choosing the courses. If your older loved one is an active individual, you can also ask them to help prepare the meals. This makes them feel needed and gets them excited about the upcoming events. Keep in mind that seniors want to feel like they can still contribute.

3. Plan Ahead for Dietary Needs

While the holidays revolve around extravagant meals, many seniors have dietary restrictions. This means they might not be able to enjoy all of the same foods as everyone else.

So, if you are planning a holiday meal or party, be sure to ask older relatives about any special dietary needs well in advance. Be sure to include items they can eat, so they don’t feel left out and to ensure they stay healthy.

4. Decorate Your Spaces

If your aging loved one lives in an assisted or independent living community, consider bringing some decorative items to their room. Help them set up their space to add some holiday cheer to their lives. However, make sure you speak to the people in-charge of their long-term care home near Niagara Falls, as there may be restrictions regarding what you can bring.

Many retirement communities allow their residents’ families to bring personal belongings too. This can be a great way for them to remember the good old times. In an effort to make them an essential part of the celebrations, ask them how they want to decorate their space.

5. Don’t Force Thing

While a generally cheerful time, not everyone experiences the holidays in the same way. For instance, if an aging senior has lost a loved one or partner around the holidays, it can be a very difficult time for them. As a result, they may appear depressed, irritable, fatigued, isolated, or apathetic.

It’s important to be patient and meet them on their own terms. This means you must not force them into doing things they may not be comfortable with. That includes busy holiday plans or large family gatherings, especially if they are not interested. You should instead adjust your expectations and let go of things that aren’t in your control. While this might be easier said than done, it’s best to look for ways to appreciate your loved ones and create moments of gratitude together.

The holidays are a time to be thankful for what you have and come together to share moments and create memories. This season, take care of your older loved one, whether they live at home or in an assisted or independent living facility. Use this time to reconnect with them and enjoy being in each other’s presence. And don’t put too much pressure on them or yourself. While the experts at our long-term care home near Niagara Falls understand it can be a tough time, it can just as easily be a magical experience.