How to Help Your Aging Parents Celebrate this Holiday Season with Cold and Flu Symptoms

The perfect holiday season is a time filled with lights, great food, gifts and cherished traditions passed down from generation to generation. However, the true satisfaction comes from the joy of spending time with your loved ones.

During this upcoming holiday season with the cold and flu season still upon us, it is important to prioritize the safety of our older family members when celebrating this year. Although we may not all be able to physically be with them, there are still many great ways to create meaningful memories together. By thinking outside the box and being creative, we can help close the gap and make the best of the situation. Let’s explore some ideas and options to safely connect with our loved ones and ensure they feel loved, cherished and included during this holiday season.

Our team of aging care professionals have created a range of suggestions to help assist you in supporting your aging parents during this season. These recommendations help to provide practical and effective ways to ensure their well-being and enjoyment during this holiday. By implementing these suggestions, you can help to create a warm and inclusive environment that promotes their physical and emotional health.

Tweak traditions. One tradition that may mean a lot to you and your family is getting together and baking cookies. However if you or a loved one is feeling under the weather this holiday season, with Facebook or Skype you can stay connected while baking and cooking from home is very helpful. You can choose your favorite recipe and schedule a time for everyone to log in. You will be able to bake away while chatting and listening to Holiday music.
Don’t do away with decorations. When our loved ones who live alone may feel less inclined to decorate for the Holiday season without the presence of family, especially grandchildren to help assist. However, by utilizing software such as Facebook and Skype, it is possible to arrange a virtual gathering where everyone can come together online and share their stories behind their favorite decorations. This can help contribute to a sense of connection and bring joy to our loved ones during the holidays.
Enjoy the wonderful outdoors. When the weather is permitted, consider planning short visits with older adults outdoors. Try to remember to practice safe social distance and wear face coverings if you are visiting a loved one who is experiencing a cold or flu like symptoms. To add a nice festive touch, you can string lights on a tree around the yard and help decorate the front porch. If there is snow, try involving the grandchildren in building a snowman or having a snowball fight, while your loved ones enjoy watching.
Send Smiles. Sending cards, letters, photos, making a phone call, and making small gifts can bring seniors a lot of joy when they are missing time with their family. By coordinating with your family to take turns reaching out frequently in a similar way, so that your older family members feel loved and cherished.
Share your feelings. There is something truly special about receiving gratitude from the people we love. And let me tell you, our loved ones deserve all the thanks in the world. Please try and take a moment to express your gratitude to them for the impact they have had on your life. Where would we be without them? Grandpa or Grandma, you were a saint when I was a teenager. Your patience with me has taught me what unconditional love looks like. And thank you. Because of them you are able to be patient with your own kids. Trust me, that’s no small feat. So, please remember to thank your loved ones, for being the patient rock in your life. They have made a world of difference.

At Amy’s Helping Hands, our home caregivers are not just highly trained and experienced, but they are also experts at enhancing the quality of life for seniors in their own homes. We take safety seriously, following rigorous protocols to ensure the protection of every senior we care for. If you are looking for family caregiving tips or want to make this Christmas season the best for your loved ones, contact us online at amyshelpinghands.ca or give us a call at 519-915-4370.

Happy Holidays

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