Think of the most perfect holiday season you are able to imagine. While that image will vary a little for each of us, it could include lights, gifts, good food, and traditions passed down through the generations. Yet what absolutely rings true for all of us is the joy in spending time with the ones we love. Unfortunately, the pandemic has, of course, caused us all to rethink the best way to safely celebrate the holidays during COVID-19. With a little bit of ingenuity and creativity, however, it is quite possible to bridge the gap and make new memories with the older adults you love, even if you can’t be with them in person this season.

 

Our aging care professionals have put together several tips to enable you to get started:

  • Modify traditions. Consider the traditions that mean the most to you and your family, and how you can change them to help keep everyone safe. For instance, if the family typically gets together each year to bake cookies, try using Zoom or a comparable platform to stay connected while making cookies from home. Select a favorite recipe, have everybody sign in at a specified time, and bake away while visiting and listening to some holiday music.
  • Don’t forego decorations. Senior loved ones who live alone frequently look forward to having family members, particularly grandchildren, visit to help with holiday decorations. Without in-person visits, seniors may not be interested in decorating. Again, using a software program like Zoom, coordinate a time for the whole family to get together online and share the stories behind favorite decorations.
  • Enjoy the great outdoors. If weather permits, plan short visits with older adults outside, safely socially distant and wearing face coverings. String lights on bushes around the yard and decorate the front porch to celebrate the holidays during COVID-19 with plenty of holiday cheer. If there happens to be snow, have the grandchildren build a snowman or take part in a snowball fight while your older loved ones watch from the window.
  • Send smiles. Pictures, cards, letters, telephone calls, small gifts, etc. will all mean a great deal to older adults who are missing time with family members. Coordinate with family members to take turns reaching out as much as possible in ways similar to this so your older loved ones are flooded with expressions of love.
  • Share your feelings. There’s nothing quite as wonderful as hearing from someone you love about the impact you’ve made on his/her life. Take this time to convey your gratitude towards the older adults you love for the difference they’ve made in your life, and be specific: “Dad, your patience with me when I was a teen taught me what unconditional love looks like, and thanks to you, I am a more patient person with my own children.”

 

Hillendale Home Care’s professional caregivers are experienced and highly trained in enhancing total wellbeing for senior loved ones at home, and follow strict safety protocols for everyone’s protection. Contact us at 925-933-8181 to learn how our top-rated senior home care in Walnut Creek, CA and the surrounding areas can help make this holiday season the very best it can be for a senior you love.