How can you help your elderly family and friends feel included this holiday season

Holiday activities and ideas to bring joy to your seniors

For many, getting ready for the holiday season means putting the tree up, ticking off shopping lists, and looking forward to treasured time with family and friends.

However, when you have a senior family member, friend, or neighbour to care for, the holiday season can be more challenging. There may be Christmas traditions that they aren’t physically able to take part in. Or you may have a neighbour or friend who doesn’t have close family to share the holiday period with.

Here are some ideas and considerations to help include your elderly loved ones in your holiday plans, so this holiday season is a special time for all.

H3: Leading up to the Christmas period

In the few weeks before Christmas, there are plenty of ways you can get in the Christmas spirit with your loved one. You may already have a host of activities you enjoy doing each year, but if they’re a neighbour or friend, you might need to ask what they enjoy. Talking about Christmas traditions will show them you care, and could help your loved one look forward to the season.

Christmas or holiday cards

If your family member, friend, or neighbour likes to send Christmas or holiday cards each year, but finds writing hard now, you could offer to write and post them on their behalf. This activity can also be done over the phone or by video call, if you’re distant from your senior.

Not only may this be helpful, but it gives your loved one an opportunity to talk about the family members and long-time friends on the list. It can shine a light on the richness of their relationships and bring back lovely memories.

Christmas decorations

For a senior loved one who is within travelling distance, you could help set up their Christmas tree and decorations. Perhaps playing their favourite carols, while adding twinkling lights and tinsel to their home, will bring a feeling of Christmas cheer and warmth to their space.

If your loved one doesn’t live close by, sending them a Christmas card with a handmade or unique decoration will let them know you’re thinking of them.

Going to church or temple

Many seniors like to attend religious services in the lead up to the holidays, but can find travelling there hard. Offering to drive them to and from a service helps them to connect with friends, members of the community, and their faith.

Christmas shopping

Getting their shopping done can be a daunting task for seniors. Finding transport, feeling safe in the crowds, carrying shopping, and many other hurdles can be tiring and impractical.

Depending on your senior’s health and mobility, you can escort them on a shopping trip or two. They may thoroughly enjoy soaking up the atmosphere, carols, and decorations while finding the perfect gifts for their loved ones.

If your senior isn’t able to manage their Christmas shopping, offer to help them with their list. Online shopping is a great way to dodge the crowds yourself, or to help a senior who doesn’t live close to you.

Advent calendars

Gifting an advent calendar offers a simple, but effective way to connect with your loved one daily in the lead up to Christmas. Perhaps you could agree on a time each day to pop over for a visit or phone call for your treasured senior to open their new calendar door. The daily connection and small gift will give your loved one something to look forward to and help structure to their day.

With the wide variety of advent calendars available, from decorations to skincare, their dietary needs don’t need to be compromised if chocolate isn’t the best option.

Helping your senior feel comfortable, safe, and included on Christmas Day

It’s easy to assume that your loved one will be comfortable joining you and your family for Christmas celebrations, but sometimes there may be extra things for you to consider.

Transport and accommodation

If you’re planning on having your loved one come to your home, or attend a venue with you on Christmas Day, check their needs with them first. They may appreciate a lift there and back, or they may prefer to stay overnight with you. The buzz and excitement of Christmas Day might also overwhelm them, so offering them a quiet place to rest will be appreciated.

Safety

As with any outings for your loved one, ease of access to your home or the Christmas Day venue is another important consideration. Is wheelchair or walker access required? Are there clear pathways within your home or the venue for them to move about safely?

Reducing the risk of slips, trips, and falls hazards is vital to avoid preventable accidents and injuries.

Comfort

Giving some thought to the physical comfort of your loved one for Christmas Day celebrations will allow them to get the most out of the day. Special touches like a comfortable chair, extra cushions, and a blanket all go towards an enjoyable experience for your senior.

Alternatively, making sure your loved one doesn’t overheat and has lots of water on a warm Christmas Day is key to their health and comfort.

Connecting with distant loved ones

Thankfully, technology has made it much easier to connect with friends and family for special occasions. However, if your loved one isn’t able to share a video call with you, there are other things you can do to show you’re thinking of them. Perhaps sending a parcel and having them open it while on the phone with you could be a way of exchanging heartfelt Christmas wishes.

If you’re able to arrange for another relative, friend, or you’re their neighbour to pop over for a cup of tea and a chat, this could really brighten up their day.

Helping elderly neighbours and friends to feel the holiday spirit

With many of our ageing population facing a lonely Christmas this year, any efforts you make for those around you will no doubt be appreciated.

While any of the ideas we’ve talked about might be helpful to connect with neighbours and friends, here’s a few more to inspire you:

• dropping off a hamper and staying for a chat
• inviting them to join you in touring the local Christmas lights and displays
• asking if they would like to join you for celebrations, or
• sitting with them and making some Christmas crafts together for a couple of hours

Getting some extra support to share the load

If you’re struggling for time, or simply live too far from your loved one, our caring team of Helpers are on hand to help you both get the most out of this holiday season.

We’d be delighted to help your cherished senior with their transport, self care and companionship needs, to ease your burden and let them know that they’re not alone.

If you’re ready to talk to us about engaging a Helper for your loved one, our wonderful team of Care Advisors can chat to you today on 1300 787 581.

Learn more: How friendship inspires us at Five Good Friends