The holiday season is a great time for families and friends to get together. Family members of all ages can experience joy and excitement during the holidays, especially the younger members.  The holidays, however, can sometimes make our seniors feel more anxious or lonely. Families sometimes forget to include their elderly loved ones in meaningful ways.  We hope you can use this guide as a reference as you prepare for the major holidays. Gatherings are more fun if everyone feels like they’re a part of the action.

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Prepare in Advance

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Many seniors are anxious about the unknown. Things like medication schedules, diets, and comfort levels must be considered.

Plan a game plan with your loved ones to help them combat this.  It is always a plus for them if they can participate in the planning stages. It also allows you to spend some more quality time with your seniors.

By doing this, you demonstrate to your loved one that the family puts their needs and desires first. You can ask them what type of activities they would like to participate in for the holidays and what foods they would want to have at family dinner by spending that time alone with them.

Seniors can also benefit from the one-on-one planning time during this season to avoid loneliness. Prior to a family gathering, they will be able to get undivided attention from you. Seniors often feel like an afterthought due to many factors. Showing them how much you care about them will show them your love and appreciation.

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Choose Activities that Everyone can Enjoy

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Our elder loved ones can enjoy most of the same activities that are great for younger children. Around the holidays, simple joys liven their spirits. Knowing their interests is half the battle and asking them for ideas is one of the most effective ways to begin. It is easy to fulfill many family traditions with adjustments for family members with disabilities.

Enjoying holiday music, baking cookies, wrapping gifts, and doing crafts are examples can be fun for everyone.

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Keep it Simple

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This is the most significant tip of all. It is often wise to keep things simple when seniors are involved. Holiday parties or get-togethers don’t need to be extravagant.

Incorporating basic family traditions into a simple meal will ensure your loved ones feel included. There is no need to invite everyone in the neighborhood. Simply being together, listening, and talking to each other is enough to curb loneliness. The pace of all the activities should be set by your senior. Therefore, the celebration should be centered on their needs and limitations.

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Gulfshore Private Home Care Can Help

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Our goal is to make the holidays as joyous for your senior loved one as they are for you. We are here to help you with any care questions you may have.

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Whether you are looking for a reliable nurse for different medical services, or a professional aide for personal care services, Gulfshore Home Care is here to help.  Because every client’s needs and lifestyle are different, our in-home care team will provide services specifically based on your loved one’s condition and circumstances.

 

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We are located in the areas of Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, and Marco Island.  Please do not hesitate to give us a call at 239-249-8318

 

 

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With our home health care services you will be able to live a happy, safe, and independent life. We invite you read more about us.   Every situation is unique, so to have all of your specific questions answered with personalized information from a friendly local home care expert, call 239-249-8318 now!