The holidays are all about family, but so often seniors are left alone in nursing homes or their families get frustrated and do not know how to include them safely and meaningfully in the holiday season.
There are many blogs, articles, recommendations etc on the internet to help families deal with the holidays in a way that includes their elderly members- here’s one of many from AgingCare.com
Traditions are very important to the elderly, try to incorporate what you can in your own celebrations, listen to their stories, don’t ask…”don’t you remember???” It is possible to have a relatively stress free holiday celebration with some forethought. If your loved one is coming to you, make sure they have enough medication. Have some old photos they can look at. Find a way to include them in the planning- let them chose a recipe, even if they can’t help make it, they will feel included. And, no matter what please don’t sigh when they tell the same story they tell every year about how they spent their Christmas back in the old days, when the snow was 10 feet tall.
For those who don’t know what to get their elderly loved ones for Christmas, one of my favorite ideas is a self made coupon book- a day at the salon; a free house cleaning; dinner out; a concert etc. that they can cash in and have it be honored. Making memories and family. That’s what holidays are all about.
For those who cannot leave a nursing home or assisted living facility, please bring Christmas and Thanksgiving to them. A home cooked meal with some of their old recipes; hand made gifts by grandchildren; little Christmas trees for their rooms. Maybe even giving up the perfect holiday dinner at your home to bring the family to their cafeteria. And if their roommate doesn’t have family a small gift will go a long way in making them feel loved and respected and, most importantly, not forgotten.
Bring on the Holiday Cheer and spread it over them like a handmade quilt. It will indeed make them feel warm and loved.
Seniors Have Dreams Too 