Supporting Families with Senior Care Over the Holiday Season

We all need a little holiday cheer when the days get shorter, to-do lists get longer, and expectations escalate. It’s especially true when we’re caring for an aging loved one who can’t take the lead in family celebrations anymore.

As you and your family navigate this holiday season, remember that traditions can adapt and change over time. You can even start new traditions that reflect what your loved one cherishes most.

Taking steps to support your senior loved one during the holidays can relieve common stressors, such as age-related loss and loneliness, disrupted routines, and worry over selecting the perfect gifts.

A Visiting Angels professional caregiver can help you manage the holiday hustle and bustle while staying on top of daily activities. From assistance with transportation and decorating to medication reminders and respite care, a professional caregiver can help you and your senior loved one enjoy the holidays together.

Easy Ways to Rekindle Delight in the Season

If Mom or Dad have taken pride in preparing large meals or hosting family gatherings, they likely find it difficult to sit back now and “relax” while activity buzzes around them. You can help your loved one continue to contribute by including them in activities they can still manage, such as sharing recipes or passing out gifts. Having enjoyable duties can help them feel useful and raise their spirits.

In the lead-up to the festivities, a companion care professional can lend a hand with many of your parent’s favorite seasonal activities, such as:

• Coordinating video calls with friends
• Connecting to live streams of church services
• Curating holiday movie or music playlists
• Meal planning, baking, and preparing side dishes
• Sending Christmas cards through the mail or online
• Wrapping gifts and decorating inside the home

Many seniors set themselves high standards for gift-giving, even if financial resources are limited. Talk with your family about fun and affordable alternatives that fit their budget. You could try a gift swap, drawing names for small "Secret Santa” stocking stuffers, or a “white elephant” exchange. Even better, you can encourage the kids to ask Grandma and Grandpa for a gift of one-on-one time instead of toys or money.

Related reading: Why Mom or Dad Could Use Seasonal Home Care

In-Home Assistance While You’re Traveling

Whether you’re heading to the in-laws’ home or taking a long-awaited vacation, a professional in-home caregiver can give you peace of mind while you’re away. We can help address the following essential non-medical needs:

• Bathing, dressing, grooming, and other personal care tasks
• Grocery shopping and other errands
• Laundry and light housekeeping
• Meal planning and preparation
• Medication reminders
• Mobility and transfer assistance
• Socializing and leisure time
• Transportation to appointments

You can arrange in-home care for an hour or two, a day, overnight, or even 24/7. Visiting Angels will help you create a short-term care plan customized to your loved one’s specific needs.

Stay Connected, Even When You’re Apart

Sharing the joy of the holidays can be difficult when you live far from an aging family member. Professional caregiver services can help reduce loneliness and brighten the holiday spirit.

That’s why Visiting Angels offers long-distance care services. We’ll match your loved one with a professional caregiver experienced with keeping families connected across miles. During the holiday season, we’ll support your senior with:

• Companionship to ward off the holiday blues
• Grocery shopping and meal planning for holiday favorites
• Hands-on help with decorating, gift wrapping, or mailing Christmas cards
• Video calls or group chats with friends and family

Our national network makes it easy to coordinate care planning anywhere across the country.

Make Time for Your Own Self-Care

Most family caregivers are constantly on the go, and hectic holiday planning can lead to caregiver burnout. Your loved one deserves you at your best, and you need self-care time to keep your own holiday spirit glowing.

Respite care is an excellent resource for families year-round. A professional caregiver can spend time with your loved one for a few hours a week so you can make time to shop for gifts, plan family meals, or just relax. Respite care is also a great way to introduce your senior to longer-term home care services.

Related reading: Why Every Family Needs a Respite Care Plan

Planning Ahead Allows for Spontaneous Joy

Mom and Dad need safe surroundings and familiar routines even more during the bustling holiday season. This year, consider giving your family the gift of professional in-home care services.

We can help you craft a customized home care plan to help you feel jolly during the holidays and give your family more cherished time making memories year-round.

Contact your local Visiting Angels office to get started today.