Extra Attention For Seniors During The Holiday Season

20 November 2014 by Elijah Steward

The holiday season means bustling from store to store purchasing gifts, making cookies, planning parties and spending time with loved ones. Home-bound seniors, however, are often left out of holiday preparations and can start to experience sadness and loneliness as they spend the season at home alone. As their main home health caregiver, you're in the perfect spot to lift their spirits and make them feel included.

Be A Listening Ear

Often, elderly people want to remember holidays past and by sitting and letting them share memories, you're conveying the message that they're important. It can be tough with all the other responsibilities the holiday season brings to be fully present, but make eye contact and really listen.

Become a Decorator

Put up a small Christmas tree, hang a strand of lights or put out a few Santa and snowman figurines to help your elderly patients get into the holiday spirit. Offer to help hang up any Christmas cards that have come in the mail. Volunteer to stay for a few extra minutes and wrap presents together. Increase the festive feel by playing Christmas music.

Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Invite your clients to pull out their old photo albums and look through pictures of Christmases past. Encourage your clients to reminisce about holidays when their children were little and listen as they talk about their loved ones that have died. Watch a favorite Christmas movie together if you have extra time.

Bring Treats

Many elderly people aren't able to whip up a batch of homemade Christmas cookies or fudge, but most would probably enjoy eating the treats. Make a plate of sugar cookies or a pan of peppermint fudge to bring on your next visit. Serve the goodies with a mug of hot cocoa. Sit and have the snack together, sharing your favorite holiday memories.

Have a Party

Suggest to your clients that they invite a few close friends or family members over for an afternoon of Christmas celebrating. Eat candy canes, listen to Christmas music and mingle for an hour or two.

Ask For Help

Enlist the help of others to help holiday cheer to home-bound seniors. Ask a local elementary school if they would be willing to have the students make Christmas cards. Pass them out when you visit your senior clients. If your clients practice a certain religion, ask a pastor or priest to stop by to share a holiday message.

 

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