How to Help McKinney-Area Seniors Beat the Holiday Blues
Even while everyone gets a little down over the holidays every now and then, it may be particularly tough for seniors. Age-related mobility and cognitive issues can make it more challenging for your loved one to decorate their home for the holidays, bake holiday desserts or go shopping for gifts for the family. They may also be reminded of friends, family and loved ones they've lost over the past year and how they can't spend the holidays with them. If they've recently had to downsize or relocate to an assisted living facility, they may feel down about not being able to host a holiday gathering for their friends and family.
As the holiday season approaches, there are many things you can do to cheer up an elderly loved one in McKinney, Allen, Frisco, Prosper or surrounding areas in Collin County, TX, who you worry may be feeling down or lonely. No matter how hectic your holiday schedule is or how much you have on your list, take a moment to reflect on what's really important. After all, the purpose of the holiday season is to provide assistance to those who are in need.
Helping Seniors in McKinney, TX and Surrounding Areas Enjoy the Holidays
Whether your senior loved one is grieving the death of a spouse or close friend, facing challenges associated with aging, or experiencing feelings of social isolation, you can make their holiday season more memorable with just a little more care.
In order to lift their spirits and prevent those annoying holiday blues, here are a few suggestions:
Help Out with Deep Cleaning
Whether your loved one is hosting this year's holiday gathering with family or spending the holidays at home, it's important that their home environment is clean and clutter-free. However, your elderly loved one may be less motivated to keep their house clean if they are depressed, have less energy or have trouble moving about. Clutter and general untidiness may lower their spirits even more and pose safety risks (they might slip and fall). Assisting a loved one with decluttering their house, getting rid of items they no longer need and creating a clean atmosphere may do wonders for their mood and sense of security.
Help with Decorating for the Holidays
Offering to assist with decorating your loved one's home after a deep clean is a great way to brighten their spirits and celebrate the season. It might be challenging for your senior loved one to decorate because of their limited strength and coordination. They might need some assistance unpacking and putting up their treasured holiday decorations that evoke warm feelings of nostalgia. Having a helping hand with decorating and taking the time to appreciate the festive surroundings afterward can improve your loved one's mood.
Include Your Loved One in Holiday Activities
Gatherings with relatives might make some seniors who used to be the hosts feel awkward about just sitting back and enjoying themselves. However, you can involve your loved one in holiday activities as much as possible to make them feel important and valuable. Getting them into the holiday mood and back to themselves might be as simple as asking them to grease a baking sheet so you can bake Christmas cookies, give out presents, garnish a dish, or share some of their favorite recipes.
Spend Quality Time and Check In Regularly
When seniors are feeling down about the holidays, being in the company of a large group of people—even relatives—may not be what they need. If your loved one is experiencing difficulty coping with the constant chatter and background noise during family gatherings, it's important to check in with them regularly so they don't feel overwhelmed. Provide a quiet area that they can easily access, and spend time with them one-on-one so they have someone to talk to.
Spend Time Reminiscing
You should encourage your senior loved one to examine old memories with you if they seem to be interested in doing so. Sharing anecdotes from "back in the day" via photo albums is a great way to cheer up an elderly family member. As an added bonus, reminiscing is a wonderful method for seniors to bond with grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other younger relatives who may not have had the chance to hear about their life stories from their perspective.
Make Holiday Arrangements for Long-Distance Family Members
You may not be able to visit a loved one in McKinney or surrounding areas in Collin County right now, depending on your living circumstances. But there are other things you can do to make sure they don't spend the holidays alone and that they have something to look forward to. Whether it's sending a thoughtful gift in the mail or inviting a family member or friend to stop by, even a little gesture may go a long way.
Hire a Professional Caregiver from Visiting Angels McKinney
Visiting Angels McKinney has been a reliable resource for independent seniors in McKinney and surrounding areas since 2008. If you're worried about a senior loved one during the holidays, let our caregivers give you peace of mind. In addition to helping out with everyday tasks, we can also help seniors our during the holiday season in a number of ways.
For example, our caregivers can help your loved one with:
- Setting up the Christmas tree
- Mailing presents to family and friends
- Providing transportation to local holiday events or Christmas service at church
- Setting the table for Christmas dinner
- And so much more
Best of all, our home care services can be personalized based on your loved one's needs and schedule so they can enjoy their regular routine while getting the help they need with festive activities. Our care plans also include meaningful companionship so your loved one won't feel lonely this holiday season.
Does your senior loved one need in-home care during the holidays? Call our McKinney, TX office at 214-491-1999 to set up a free in-home consultation!