Helping Seniors Prepare For & Enjoy Family Gatherings
Family gatherings are a favorite pastime of many. They offer the opportunity to catch up with family members, reminisce over memories, and create new special moments across generations. But for seniors, they’re not always as exciting as they once were, and for some, family gatherings can be a bit overwhelming.
However, with consideration and simple pre-planning, you can ensure your next family gathering offers your senior loved one everything they might need to feel at ease and socialize in comfort.
Tips For Prepping A Senior-Friendly Event
When planning any celebration, you want your guests’ needs at the forefront of your planning. This is especially true for older adults, who might have a few particular needs that, if not met, can make it uncomfortable for them to sit through. To plan a successful, senior-friendly family event, consider these suggestions:
Involve Senior Guests in Planning
Having your senior loved one involved in the planning process can increase their excitement, as well as boost their self esteem. You can take them shopping for decorations, make a list together of possible activities, plan the food menu, and more. Once the day rolls around, let them help with party prep if possible. They may be able to cook a dish, set the table, or give input on music selection.
Consider Their Comfort and Safety
When selecting a location for your gathering, consider accessibility. Are there ramps, elevators, and hand rails for seniors or anyone with mobility challenges? If you are hosting at your own home, take a careful look through the main travel areas in your home, such as hallways, entryways, the kitchen, and the restrooms. Inspect for any tripping hazards like unsecured rugs or clutter. Make sure furniture is easy to navigate around.
Also ensure you have adequate seating, and even a few private areas your loved one can escape to if they need a break from the noise or excitement. If the event is outdoors, arrange somewhere in the shade for them to sit or have a temperature-controlled alternative when possible.
Offer a Variety of Food Options
Food is an essential part of every family event. Take dietary preferences and restrictions into account when planning the menu. For example, have low or no-sugar options, soft, easy-to-chew dishes, and heart-healthy selections.
Encourage Socialization and Shared Activities
Consider activities your guests can all partake in like playing cards or board games, putting a puzzle together, or looking through family photos. Even if they aren’t interested in partaking in the activities, ideas like this are fun to watch for bystanders, and can spark continuous conversation at gatherings, too, which can help seniors feel at ease.
Remain Flexible
Even the best planning can’t prepare for everything, so flexibility is key when it comes to hosting seniors. They might experience sudden tiredness as their energy levels deplete or simply be ready for some alone time in their own space. Have other family members on hand to assist, if need be, and go into the situation with a flexible mindset.
Visiting Angels Helps Seniors Enjoy Life
At Visiting Angels Tacoma, we believe seniors deserve to enjoy life to the fullest, which includes socializing and participating in family events. Our caregivers are able to assist with transportation, as well as provide support for seniors during family events. You can rest easy knowing your loved one is being carefully tended to by a friendly member of our team while you host a gathering.
To learn more about our range of non-medical, in-home care options, simply fill out our contact form or give us a call at 253-537-3700. We look forward to speaking with you!