Help Seniors Stay Engaged this Holiday Season

The holiday season is here once more. For millions, the holiday season means time spent surrounded by loved ones creating happy memories that last a lifetime. Unfortunately, many seniors are unable to participate in the joyous holiday festivities because of health reasons, distance, or mobility issues. Loneliness can always be an issue for the elderly, but more so during the time of year when everyone wants to be with the ones they love most.

Isolation during the holidays can lead to depression, especially with seniors who no longer live at home. If you are a caregiver or family member of a senior adult, you may notice a change in their mood or behavior during the holidays. They remember what it was like for them during the holidays when they were younger, active, and their loved ones were still alive. For some, holidays also bring a painful reminder of what once was and what has been lost.

How to Help Seniors Stay Connected this Holiday Season

If your senior loved one is unable to physically visit their loved ones for the holidays or actively participate in holiday activities, there are steps you can take to help them feel connected to their loved ones and avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Below are some easy tips to help your senior loved one stay connected and engaged this holiday season.

– Plan ahead.
Create a list of plans for holiday activities that your senior loved one can be a part of. Try to include as many family members as possible to make the holiday even more festive and memorable. You can bake cookies and host a cookie decorating party. Create inexpensive holiday crafts or host a Christmas sing along.

If your loved one resides in an assisted living facility, ask the staff what space is available for gatherings and what you need to do to plan an event. If your loved one is vulnerable to over-stimulation, try to limit the amount or noise and number of activities to avoid confusion or irritability. It’s also important to designate a person for companionship. Having company during the holidays can go a long way in preventing depression and feelings of loneliness and isolation.

– Don’t place the focus of holiday celebrations on gift giving.
We all love receiving gifts during the holidays, but for many seniors who get by on a fixed income, the thought of spending extra money on gifts can become very stressful. The focus instead should be placed on making memories and family bonding. Have family members share their favorite memories about the senior, or have them write letters of gratitude and appreciation for everything the person has contributed to their lives. Board games and puzzles are also a great way to spend time together as a family without breaking the bank.

– Give a little extra attention.
Whether it’s setting up a special hair appointment with the assisted living community’s salon, or a simple walk outside when the weather is nice, a little extra care and attention can really go a long way in helping your loved one feel included and special during the holidays. Everyone is different, so be creative and find something that will help your loved one the most.

Jurney’s Assisted Living offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, with the calm assurance that help is always available, should they require assistance with their activities of daily living. Residents may range from being very independent to being physically and/or memory challenged.

At Jurney’s, we understand just how important the holiday season is for families, and we work to ensure our residents are happy, engaged, and included during festivities and celebrations. If you are interested in hosting a holiday party for our residents or volunteering during the holiday season please contact us today.