How to Help your Parent or Loved One During the Holidays

Caring for an elderly parent or loved one during the holidays doesn’t mean you have to do everything on your own. With a little planning, support, and a lot of love, you can create a holiday season that feels special for everyone. Whether you’re helping with tasks, getting some extra help with in-home care, or just spending quality time together, the goal is to make your loved one feel valued, included, and comfortable.

The holidays are a time for family, fun, and creating memories—but if you’re caring for an elderly parent or loved one, the holiday season can also bring extra challenges. Between the hustle and bustle, holiday meals, and family gatherings, it can be hard to juggle everything, especially when your senior loved one needs extra help. So, how can you make sure they’re well taken care of while still enjoying the season? Let’s talk about a few ways to support them during the holiday madness.

1. Take Stock of Their Needs

Before diving into the holiday planning, it’s important to take a step back and think about what your loved one actually needs. Are they having trouble with mobility? Do they need assistance with meals or personal care? Are they feeling a bit isolated or lonely? Once you understand their needs, you can figure out how to best support them during the busiest time of year.

2. Incorporate Them Into the Holiday Fun

The holidays should be about togetherness, so don’t leave your loved one out of the celebrations. Whether it's decorating the house, wrapping gifts, or making holiday cookies, involve them in whatever they’re comfortable with. Maybe they can’t hang ornaments on the tree, but they can help tie ribbons on gift packages or pass out the holiday cards. 

If traveling to family events is tough for them, think about ways to bring the holiday fun to them. You could set up a small family gathering at their house or even do a virtual “family reunion” over Zoom if travel isn’t possible.

3. Enlist Some Help

If you're feeling stretched thin between caring for your loved one, managing your own family’s holiday plans, and all the extra errands, it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all on your own! Consider hiring a caregiver from Visiting Angels to assist with daily tasks like meal prep, cleaning, or just keeping your loved one company. 

Hiring in-home care during the holidays can help you make sure your loved one is getting the attention and care they need, while also giving you a chance to focus on your own celebrations.

4. Stay on Top of Their Health and Medications

It’s easy for the holiday chaos to throw routines off track, so make sure you’re keeping a close eye on your loved one’s health, safety and needs. Have they been taking their medications on time? Are they staying hydrated and eating regularly? Sometimes all the excitement of the season can distract people from their regular health routine, so it’s helpful to stay on top of it, especially if your loved one has specific health concerns.

This is another area where in-home care can really come in handy. Caregivers can remind seniors of their medication schedule and assist with their needs to keep them healthy, like helping them eat balanced meals or monitoring for signs of illness.

5. Create a Comfortable Home

The holidays can be overwhelming for seniors, especially if they’re sensitive to noise, crowds, or changes in routine. Make sure your loved one has a comfortable, quiet space where they can retreat if the festivities get too loud or busy. Maybe it’s a cozy corner with some holiday music, or a spot by the window with a cup of tea. Having a little place to relax and unwind will help them enjoy the season without feeling drained. 

6. Set Up Easy-to-Enjoy Holiday Activities

While you’re busy with holiday events, it’s nice to have some low-key activities that your loved one can enjoy at their own pace. Simple things like watching a favorite holiday movie, reminiscing over old photo albums, or listening to classic Christmas songs can be comforting and help them feel connected to the holiday spirit without any stress.

If they enjoy crafts, maybe you could do a simple DIY project together—something like making homemade ornaments or creating a holiday card to send to family and friends. These activities don’t have to be complicated, but they create great moments of connection.

7. Keep Their Safety in Mind

The holidays can be a time of extra activity around the house—people coming in and out, lights and decorations everywhere, and lots of cooking and moving around. Make sure that your home (or your loved one’s home) is safe for everyone, especially your senior family member. Clear away any tripping hazards, keep walkways well-lit, and be mindful of kitchen or bathroom safety. Here is a Fall Prevention guide that helps keep your senior's health and safety a priority.

If your loved one has trouble with balance or walking, you might want to get them a little extra help moving around, especially if you’re hosting a large family gathering. A caregiver can provide that extra support, ensuring they’re comfortable and safe throughout the holidays.

8. Be Patient and Present

The holidays can be a lot to take in, especially if your loved one is dealing with memory issues or cognitive decline. Be patient if they forget things or need a little extra time to process what’s going on. Sometimes, the best gift you can give is just your time and attention.

Take moments to truly be with them, listen to their stories, and enjoy the little moments of togetherness. The holidays are about making memories, and some of the most meaningful ones might come from quiet, simple moments shared with your loved one.

Happy holidays, and remember—it’s all about making memories!