Celebrating christmas with a dependent loved one: It's important!

Category Building strong relationships in senior years

Celebrating christmas with a dependent loved one: It's important!

The holiday season is a time filled with joy, generosity, and various festivities. However, as enjoyable as the holidays can be, they often come with stress and anxiety. Amidst all the planning, shopping, hosting, traveling, cooking, cleaning, and family gatherings, we often overlook the older members of our family. Yet, the holiday season is precisely the time when we should focus on what truly matters and rise to the challenge of including all family members in the festivities.

Here are some tips for including your elderly loved ones in these celebrations and helping them feel more comfortable during family gatherings:

Include them:

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Make sure to invite the older members of your family to family gatherings. Often, during the holiday season, elderly individuals can feel even more isolated. Inviting them to spend the holidays with you is the first step in combating their sense of loneliness. Once they are invited, ensure they are included in conversations. For example, it's crucial that those with hearing difficulties are seated away from background noise. Place them strategically near guests who will engage them in conversation and make them feel an integral part of family discussions.

Plan a meal suited to their dietary needs:

You must adapt the holiday menu to your elder's dietary requirements. If this proves too complicated, consider preparing a personalized dish for them. Also, don't forget to remind them to take their medications. Being away from their usual routine, they might forget.

Help them get ready for the celebration:

Dressing up a bit is part of the holiday spirit. Shortly before the arrival of other guests, visit your loved one's room to choose a comfortable yet elegant outfit with them. If needed, assist them in getting dressed. If they are feeling tired, suggest a short nap before the festivities begin.

Share holiday memories:

Your grandparents may have fond memories of holidays from their childhood, and they might want to share them with the whole family. As we age, happy memories from our youth often bring comfort. Offering elderly family members an opportunity to share their childhood memories promotes positive emotions and strengthens intergenerational bonds.

Involve them:

Everyone wants to feel included in holiday preparations. If an older friend or family member has difficulty assisting with cooking due to physical limitations, they can still be encouraged to help with small tasks such as folding napkins or arranging flowers. When looking through photo albums, offer them a magnifying glass or a page-turner to make it easier for them to participate.

Ensure their safety:

Make sure your home is not too cluttered, and there are no obstacles in the path of the elderly individuals you invite. As people age, they may experience balance problems, and a fall can have catastrophic effects. Clearing the path is of utmost importance. If you plan to host an elderly person for several nights, make sure you have everything they need for mobility, such as a cane, walker, or even a wheelchair, lift assist, or stairlift.

Seating arrangements:

It's important to seat elderly family members in a location with easy access to the bathroom. Similarly, for their comfort, provide an anti-pressure sore cushion.

Take photos:

In the age of digital photography, where everyone takes selfies and instantly posts photos on various social media sites, it's essential to ensure that we capture images of all our guests so that no one feels left out. Take selfies with Aunt Bea and Grandpa Gerard and cherish these moments for years to come!

Task	Status
Confirm invitation and transportation arrangements	✅
Plan a meal considering dietary needs	✅
Prepare a quiet, well-lit seating area	✅
Organize engaging activities (storytelling, music, etc.)	✅
Ensure accessibility and safety (remove trip hazards)	✅
Provide comfortable seating with easy access to restrooms	✅
Take family photos including elderly guests	✅
Monitor their comfort and fatigue levels	✅

FAQ – Making Family Gatherings Elderly-Friendly

1. Why is it important to include elderly family members in celebrations?

Including elderly family members helps combat loneliness, fosters intergenerational connections, and allows them to participate in cherished traditions, making them feel valued.

2. How can I make my home safer for an elderly guest?

Remove clutter and trip hazards.
Ensure good lighting in hallways and rooms.
Provide mobility aids if needed (walker, wheelchair, cane).
Arrange a seating area with easy access to the restroom.

3. What are some thoughtful ways to engage elderly family members?

Encourage them to share childhood holiday stories.
Play music or watch classic holiday films together.
Assign them simple but meaningful tasks, like arranging table settings.
Have a memory-sharing activity with old photo albums.

4. How can I modify meals to accommodate an elderly guest?

Prepare softer food options for those with chewing difficulties.
Avoid high-sodium or sugar-rich foods if they have dietary restrictions.
Ensure they drink enough fluids and don’t forget their medications.

5. What are some signs that an elderly loved one may be getting tired?

Becoming quieter or disengaged.
Rubbing their eyes or looking drowsy.
Showing signs of restlessness or irritability.
Difficulty keeping up with conversations.

6. How can I ensure they have a comfortable night’s rest if they’re staying over?

Provide a quiet, comfortable room with appropriate bedding.
Ensure the room is warm enough and has easy access to the bathroom.
Have their medications, glasses, and personal items within reach.

7. How can I involve grandchildren in spending time with elderly family members?

Encourage kids to ask them about their favorite holiday traditions.
Plan a simple activity like baking together or decorating cookies.
Have a storytelling session where grandparents share childhood memories.

8. How do I ensure my elderly loved one doesn’t feel overwhelmed?

Keep gatherings small and intimate instead of large, noisy events.
Have a quiet space available where they can rest if needed.
Limit background noise from music or television.

9. Should I adjust the holiday schedule for an elderly family member?

Yes, consider hosting the main gathering earlier in the day rather than late at night when they may be more tired.

10. How do I ensure they feel included in holiday photos?

Take a few candid moments capturing their natural expressions.
Have family members sit with them for group photos.
Encourage selfies and fun pictures with grandchildren.

However, we advise against hosting a noisy party that doesn't align with the true spirit of Christmas and could disrupt and fatigue your loved one. Check the volume of the music and keep your guest list within close family boundaries. Christmas is a rather intimate and family-oriented celebration, unlike New Year's. Stay vigilant regarding their fatigue level; if you notice signs of tiredness or nervousness, try to assess their needs and respect them.

For assistance in finding a care home or facility best suited to your needs, contact Senior Home Plus at 0230 608 0055 or fill out our online form.