As the holidays approach, families around the country look forward to celebrating together in person. But for some seniors who live far from their loved ones, the holiday season may be a time of loneliness.

Sometimes families can’t be together during the holidays due to the financial cost of travel, busy work schedules, or other commitments. The time away from family and friends can be difficult for the elderly, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

How Can Long-Distance Care Provide Support for Seniors?

Visiting Angels’ long-distance care services can help seniors who aren’t able to spend time with their loved ones. Our compassionate caregivers can provide holiday cheer in a variety of ways, including:

• Companionship
  The holidays, unfortunately, can be a time of loneliness, leading to feelings of isolation and depression. And for some seniors who have recently lost family members and friends, the holidays can be a reminder of that loss.
  
  Having a Visiting Angels senior care provider can give your loved one the emotional support they need. A supportive, compassionate caregiver can be a powerful tool to combat feelings of loneliness and help foster the holiday spirit.
  
  Our long-distance caregivers can help your senior stay in touch with family during these special times. Although some seniors may have difficulty managing a video call on their own, our caregivers will help them navigate unfamiliar technology and celebrate remotely with their loved ones.

• Maintaining holiday traditions
  Some older adults may feel depressed as the limitations of age impede holiday traditions. Maybe Thanksgiving dinner is too much for mom and dad to make on their own. Or perhaps decorations have become too heavy or overwhelming.
  
  A long-distance caregiver will assist with the holiday traditions your senior is having trouble managing on their own. Our caregivers can help purchase groceries for meals, cook and bake seasonal dishes and treats with your senior, and set up the traditional decorations.

• Holiday shopping
  Visiting Angels’ caregivers can help with essential errands. Our caregivers can accompany your loved one on shopping trips, carry bags, push carts, and even do the shopping on their own if that is what is needed.
  
  If your older adult wants to order gifts online, an in-home caregiver will find and order the desired item and make sure the process is handled securely and safely.
  
  Our caregivers can help your loved one celebrate the holidays and connect with family and friends by wrapping gifts, shipping packages, and mailing seasonal greeting cards.

This year, if distance separates you and your senior loved one, give them the gift of professional home care services to help them feel connected and make the most of their holidays.