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The holiday season is in full swing and, if you’re hosting an elderly loved one, it’s important to plan ahead and be mindful about accommodating their needs.
From planning ahead to let other family members be involved with helping to considering what kinds of activities a loved one could do, BrightStar Care resident RN and Chief Clinical Quality Officer Sharon Roth Maguire recently shared 5 great tips for having a great holiday with senior loved ones.
1. Planning is everything and there are some important things to consider. Planning on the family’s side is equally important. Determine ahead of time where your loved one be able to rest/take a nap, where they will sit and do you have food and beverages that they like or require according to their dietary needs?
Keep in mind that older adults are often cold, so be sure there are blankets available to cover their lap. Families should assign a point person to be the go to resource for your loved one, checking in with them periodically (approx. every 30 minutes) to see if they are comfortable, need anything to drink, to use the bathroom, take a nap, etc.
Also, familiarize the rest of the family with the circumstances and situation. You need to prep others that will be in attendance to ensure a better experience for everyone. Don’t allow others to be surprised to see such a cognitive change in your loved one.
2. Be mindful of planning activities. Playing Holiday music can bring back nice memories and older adults may especially enjoy old favorites and may even want to sing along.
It’s important to make sure the listening environment is less busy and be sure to give them quiet space to enjoy the music. To facilitate their hearing rather than turn the music up, have them sit near the speakers.
In addition to listening to music, make sure you create some one-on-one time to look at photo albums, pull out cherished ornaments in order to remind them of great memories.
3. Consider your loved one’s diagnoses and abilities. If they have early stages of Alzheimer’s, they may have trouble following conversations so you want to be sure to limit distractions. Make sure that your conversations give them time to finish their thoughts.
Make sure family members don’t interrupt them, finish their sentences or rush their thoughts. Also, involving them in simple task during the event may make them feel more engaged.
Can they fold napkins, be the greeter, read a story to the grandchildren? Or, if they are less physically capable, be sure to give them something to do while relaxing in a comfortable chair – looking through the Holiday Cards, a photo album, a magazine, etc.
4. Invite fewer people over. Smaller gatherings are always more intimate and allow for conversations that your loved one can actually hear, understand and participate in. Older adults enjoy hearing what’s new in the family but also may enjoy sharing special stories about the past. They are your family historian and that role can bring them great honor and joy. Ask them to share a favorite memory from their past.
5. Think about what temporary home accommodations may be needed. Enhanced lighting, safety awareness as related to fall risks – remove unsteady furniture, throw rugs, pets and the like that could contribute to tripping. Make sure their environment is well lit because a dim environment creates many hazards. Take into account their allergies, food, other.
Consult with the facility staff regarding any client-centered needs and timeframes for those — naps, meals, medications, etc. Special transportation needs. SUV? Lower vehicle. Physical needs for travel. Stairs? Ramp? Getting to and from in and out of the setting.
Families looking for senior care help and support for a loved one this season and beyond can turn to our BrightStar team for help through our “Healthy for the Holidays” program. Whether you’re caring for a loved one and need some respite or a senior in your life has advancing needs and would be a good candidate for home care and support, our team is available 24/7 to help by coming up with a home care solution that is custom tailored to your loved one’s needs.
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