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Author: Dr. Claire Leegard

This festive season, as we gear up for Christmas, let's ensure our celebrations are safe and bring warmth, joy, and safety to our elders. Here are 8 heartfelt and practical ways to celebrate the holidays safely and joyously with seniors:

1. Memory Lane Decorations

Encourage your senior loved ones to participate in decorating the house. Use this opportunity to reminisce over ornaments and décor that hold special memories. Perhaps there's a story behind the angel on the top of the tree or the star that twinkles with tales of past holidays. 

2. Virtual Celebrations

Technology can bridge the gap for those with senior loved ones who live far away from their families or who reside in assisted living or skilled nursing care facilities. Set up a virtual Christmas party. Share stories, sing carols together over a video call, or even have a digital gift exchange where everyone can see the expressions of joy.

3. Safety First

Warmth: Ensure the house is warm and your senior is dressed appropriately to avoid chills. 

Food Safety: While indulging in holiday treats, be mindful of dietary restrictions or allergies, especially for those with health conditions. In addition, promptly refrigerate leftovers from meals to avoid food-borne illnesses.

Physical Comfort: Arrange seating so they can enjoy the festivities without strain. Consider having a quiet space where they can retreat if celebrations become too overwhelming.

4. Engage in Gentle Activities

Baking: Get them involved in making their favorite holiday cookies or sweets. The aroma of baked goods can be as comforting as the act of baking itself.

Storytelling: Have a family storytelling night where everyone shares their favorite Christmas memory, giving seniors a chance to shine with anecdotes from their past.

5. Music and Carols

Music has a therapeutic effect. Sing carols together or play their favorite holiday tunes. Create a playlist or find a radio station that plays Christmas music around the clock, and sing and dance together. It's a beautiful way to connect and evoke joy!

6. Gift Giving

Gifts don't have to be extravagant. A photo album, a handmade card, or even a simple promise of weekly calls can mean the world. Remember, for many seniors, the gift of time and attention is the most precious.

7. Health Precautions

With the continued presence of the flu and viruses, ensure everyone is aware of health protocols and takes necessary precautions. Wear masks, wash and sanitize hands frequently, and avoid gatherings if anyone is not feeling well.

8. Community Involvement

If your senior is part of a community or care home, engage with these groups to organize safe, collective celebrations. Sometimes, the joy of seeing familiar faces or participating in community events can lift spirits significantly.

Over the holidays, let's wrap our seniors in the warmth of love, care, and safety. Let their laughter be the melody of the season, and their smiles shine brighter than the lights on the Christmas trees. Here’s to making this holiday season merry and memorable for everyone, especially our cherished elders. 

Our care team at Home Helpers is certified, highly trained, and experienced in delivering an array of in-home care services, including specialized care for clients with Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as 24-hour shift care.

I welcome the opportunity to meet with you or your senior loved one for a FREE Consultation at your convenience to assess specific needs and discuss the many ways Home Helpers can make life easier and more joyous for everyone.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Home Helpers & LEN Care!

Home Helpers® Wheaton & Naperville is proudly Making Life Easier℠ for veterans, differently abled, and senior men and women in Aurora, Bartlett, Bloomingdale, Hanover Park, Hoffman Estate, Roselle, Itasca, Medinah, Naperville, Plainfield, Schaumburg, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton, and Winfield.