It’s often said that this is the most wonderful time of the year, but it can also come with some challenges. For many people, the holidays can bring up a range of emotions, such as isolation or loneliness. With some understanding and a proactive approach, families can support senior family members and help them feel loved. Here’s how to help a senior this holiday season, whether they’re unable to see their family, experience mobility challenges, or live alone.
Wondering how to support a senior and help them savor the holiday season? Here are some tips:
The holidays are a busy time, and the focus is often on tackling the to-do list, decorating, and preparing for holiday events. But don’t forget about seniors this holiday season. They may be feeling lonely and need companionship. According to an AARP survey, 31 percent of respondents stated they experienced loneliness during the holiday season, while 34 percent said they received more kindness from strangers than family or friends during the holiday season.
While you may immediately think of your senior family members during the holiday season, don’t forget to also check in on your senior neighbors. They may be struggling this holiday season due to missing family members and would appreciate a phone call, short visit, or text message to check in on them. It can also be helpful to bring over a small, meaningful gift, such as baked goods or tea.
You can also help a senior combat isolation during the holidays by inviting them to family events or other low-stress social gatherings.
Decorating can take a lot of work, time, and energy, but it can make a home feel comfortable and cheerful. However, as someone ages, it can take even more energy and time to set up their home for the holidays.
Ask how you can help a senior family member or neighbor decorate their home, such as by setting up the Christmas tree, adding decorations to the windows, or unpacking favorite ornaments while you have meaningful conversations with them about holiday traditions.
Then, either as a surprise or by asking them to assist you, make their favorite holiday meals for a gathering. Alternatively, you may ask them to help decorate cookies while watching holiday movies or chatting.
Remember that busier stores, a lot of traffic, and potential confusion with online shopping can make Christmas shopping overwhelming. Additionally, a senior may not have transportation to go shopping for gifts. Offering to help them with their shopping, either by assisting them with online shopping or going to the store with their list, can be quite meaningful to them.
Be mindful of the holiday festivities that you’re inviting a senior family member or neighbor to. If the festivities are loud and busy, it can feel overwhelming and overstimulating, so make sure to check in with them to see if they prefer to leave or need a break.
Remember to balance festivities with rest to avoid exhaustion. It can help to ask them which activities they’re most interested in participating in and reassuring them that they don’t have to participate in every activity.
Additionally, those experiencing mobility challenges may not want to ask for help, so be proactive and ask if they need assistance and what kind of support they need. Know the event space ahead of time so you’ve planned the safest and easiest way to get in and out and to the restroom.
Many struggle with loneliness and miss their family this time of year. It’s important to offer emotional support to seniors by listening to how they’re feeling and acknowledging their grief. It can be difficult to alleviate these feelings, but offering emotional support and being a person they can share their feelings with can go a long way toward providing some comfort.
It can also mean a lot to engage in conversation with them to learn more about their meaningful traditions during the holiday season, past holiday memories, and more. Then, see how you can incorporate those traditions into the season to provide comfort and show you care.
Home maintenance can be very difficult for seniors. Talk with them about winter home maintenance tasks and other chores they have and how you can help. For example, shoveling snow off the stairs and away from walking paths, putting salt on slippery areas outside, and helping with grocery shopping can go a long way during the winter months, when it may be more difficult to run errands or do certain chores.
As you’re preparing for holiday gatherings, check around your home and see it through a senior’s eyes to make it accessible. The area can be filled with hidden tripping hazards, especially for older adults who haven’t been to your home or another event space.
Be aware of common falling hazards, such as cords, loose rugs, poorly lit areas, and configurations of rooms. Put plenty of salt on icy spots outside, have a dedicated area for wet shoes, make sure loose rugs are temporarily removed or secured, make sure areas are well lit and have clear walking paths, and keep cords out of walking paths.
This is a joyous season filled with love and meaning. Show them you care about them by engaging in meaningful conversations and creating new traditions together. Reminisce by looking at photo albums, creating a scrapbook together, or sharing holiday stories. This can be a bonding experience that’s focused on the positive memories, food, and traditions rather than on loss.
Encourage celebrating traditions together, such as watching classic Christmas movies, listening to holiday music, or baking. These activities may seem small, but they do a lot to bring warmth, comfort, and joy to the holiday season.
The holiday season is more about being there for others and showing you care rather than the things you do. The holidays can be challenging and bring about feelings of social isolation and loneliness, but it can be common for these feelings to arise even outside of the season for many seniors.
One of the top benefits of senior living communities is the socialization opportunities that are at the center of the community. They have a socially inclusive environment with plenty of opportunities to make new connections at the dinner table or in an activity with others who have similar interests.
Find out more about socialization in senior living communities with our guide, Everything You Need to Know About Social Health in Senior Living.