Senior family members usually look for holidays and celebrations, because that means they can see family members and special friends they don’t see so often for the rest of the year.
However, if their expectations fall short, such as when a family member can’t come visit, a senior loved one can find the holidays sad and lonely.
Here’s some tips on how you can get your senior loved one involved during the holiday season. Spread cheer and love–make your elderly family members feel them too!
1. Handwritten cards. Have every member of your family give your elderly loved one a Christmas card. Add some pictures for a more personalized touch and so that they can remember you. Make them feel that you were thinking of them and let them know what’s happening to you and the rest of the family.
2. Send a thoughtful gift. Instead of opting for a generic, fool-proof gift this holiday season, why not give it some extra thought and effort this time? Use this guide for finding Christmas gifts for your elderly loved ones. Whether it’s big or small, expensive or not, what’s important is that you are imparting a sincere gesture that can make them feel loved.
3. Have them over. Your elderly loved one may be in a home or in an assisted living facility such as Big Hearts. They may also be with other family members who serve as caregivers for them. This time, invite them over to your place for a warm Christmas family dinner.
4. Just pick up the phone. A simple phone call may be enough to show them that you thought about them. It can also mean a lot that you’re calling to wish them a Merry Christmas and to update them about your life. While this is quite a simple thing to do, it can mean a lot to your elderly loved one.
This holiday season can be a very busy time for you, but this doesn’t mean you should forget your elderly parents or loved ones. Don’t forget to still make this season about love, sharing, and family.