Prepare Older Adults in Your Family for the Holidays
With the so many holidays around the corner from several religions, it’s the time for families to start preparing for travel, meals, gatherings, but we should also consider making plans for the older adults in our families.
The holidays are a time to bring the whole family together, to keep traditions alive and to establish traditions not only for young children but also to make older adults feel that they continue to be part of the family.
Every generation comes together to eat a delicious meal, and when it comes to having one or more older adults on the guest list, there are some ways to make these days enjoyable for everyone.
1. Start with the meal
Respect for tradition: older adults have been creating their family meals for years. Seek their advice and include their opinion in meal planning. Maybe there are some recipes you’re looking forward to enjoying, the holidays are a great way to reconnect with the past, and food is a great way to evoke memories.
Be aware of dietary restrictions older adults may have. It never hurts to ask. Make sure the holidays are age-friendly; consider preparing foods that are easy to chew and digest. By focusing on these factors, it will be easy to make the older person feel included in the festivities.
2. Be patient with the older adult
Stress levels during this time of year can sometimes be higher than usual. That’s why it’s essential to be patient with an older person. To keep stress levels low for an older parent, make sure everything is taken care of for them; their transportation to and from the events, as well as only allowing them to sit down and relax during the day or help if they wish.
3. Bring the specialized staff, if needed
Using all the help available during the holidays is a great way to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Calling an older adult care professional to help care for an older parent can be very beneficial. These professionals can help prepare the eldest person for the day, and provide transportation, if necessary. Having this kind of help will save the host much time by transferring some responsibilities to the care provider.
4. Avoid exhaustion
With all the last-minute running around the person in charge of planning can be quickly exhausted. One way to deal with this last-minute stress is to remember to stop and take a break. Taking the time to focus on less stressful activities, reading, going for a walk or watching your favorite TV show, if only for 30 minutes, is an excellent way for a person to take a break and recover.
5. Stay together
If your older adults have traveled a considerable distance and stayed overnight, this is an excellent opportunity for them to spend extra time sharing about past holidays. Take out photo albums or scrapbooks and have a multigenerational gathering to remember the “good times” and the many good times to come. The holidays are an excellent opportunity to create a new page with all the generations present.
6. Ask questions
No one reaches 70, 80, or 90 years without accumulating some exciting stories, anecdotes, and wisdom. If you don’t get a chance to see older family members often, now is the time to ask questions. You will be surprised and surprised by what you learn, and they will be glad to see that you are interested in their lives.
Family care extends beyond providing basic physical needs. It also involves assuring your elderly loved ones that they are a vital part of the family and that their contributions to the celebrations are appreciated. The holidays and an ideal opportunity to show your love and respect, especially for the older adults in your family.
Source: Assistance To The Elderly Blog, https://atteinc.org/prepare-older-adults-in-your-family-for-the-holidays/