How to Support Seniors with Disabilities This Holiday Season

The holidays are a time of joy for many. Between the extra time spent with family and friends and the abundance of festivities, there’s much to love about this time of year. To make sure everyone on your guest list gets to enjoy the holiday activities comfortably, it’s crucial to consider their potential needs beforehand, particularly for senior family members with disabilities.

Make the Holidays Enjoyable for Loved Ones with Disabilities

If you have a loved one with a disability, which could include physical or cognitive impairments, they may have a bit of apprehension over shared activities and how they’ll be accommodated. Help ease their worry and ensure they have the opportunity to celebrate in a way that is most pleasant for them.

We understand that the hustle and bustle of the holiday season keeps everyone busy. To assist families with their holiday planning this year, we’re offering the following advice to help make celebrations more inclusive and comfortable for everyone.

Adapt Holiday Traditions

With a bit of creativity, most holiday traditions can be adapted to include everyone. If you plan on visiting a light display, choose attractions that are wheelchair accessible or have a drive-through set up. When spending time outside, be sure your loved one is dressed appropriately for the chilly weather. Don’t push them too much by attending multiple activities; instead, prioritize a few of their favorite events.

Create a Safe Environment

If you’re hosting a holiday event, be sure to make the space as cozy, safe, and accessible as possible. Clear walkways and remove potential safety hazards like cords and area rugs. Have a comfortable seating area available for seniors, such as a couch or cushioned chair, and have it located near the restroom. Provide a quiet space for family members who may need a break from the festivities.

Keep Dietary Restrictions in Mind

Certain conditions make swallowing difficult or require following strict dietary guidelines. When planning holiday meals, be sure to take all of your guests’ needs into account. This may include offering foods that are easy to chew, sugar-free, low in sodium, or specific to allergy sensitivities.

Give Inclusive Gifts

Shopping for gifts is a highlight of the holiday season, but it requires thoughtful planning. Choose gifts that your senior loved one can actually use, such as adaptive clothing, warm socks, or a weighted blanket. When it comes to opening presents, consider seniors with dexterity issues and use easy-to-open packaging or gift bags.

Visiting Angels Can Help This Holiday Season

At Visiting Angels Arlington Heights, we understand that it can be challenging to balance the needs of both your family and your aging loved one during the holidays. Our flexible in-home care services can help make this time of year easier, no matter what your circumstances are. Maybe you could use a caregiver to step in and temporarily relieve you from caregiving duties so that you can attend to your own responsibilities. Respite care is a wonderful option for families in this situation. Or, perhaps, you live far away from your loved one and know that they could use companionship and extra support during this season. We can provide long-distance caregiving to help your family member age in place at their home in Arlington Heights.

We would love to set up a free consultation to discuss your family’s needs. Simply call the office Monday - Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm, 847-963-8944.