For many seniors, the most important part of the holiday season is spending time with their family members and friends. Older adults may enjoy eating traditional dishes, sharing stories from the past, and creating new memories. Here are some of the ways you can celebrate Christmas with your aging loved one.
Sing Holiday Songs
Listening to music is a good way for older adults to alleviate anxiety. Hearing Christmas songs or singing along to the music can prevent an increase in heart rate and blood pressure and decrease the levels of cortisol released throughout the body. As a result, stress levels reduce. Singing Christmas carols gives your parent something positive to focus on instead of being depressed over things he or she cannot control, such as changes in health.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Roseville families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Cook a Delicious Meal
Cooking traditional holiday dishes on Christmas can be a therapeutic activity for seniors. As they prepare to host friends and family members, older adults can bring out their cookbooks and make some of their favorite meals. Encourage your loved one to help with the meal planning, grocery shopping, and the actual preparation of the entrées, side dishes, and desserts. Participating in a family activity can boost mood and stave off depression. You can also ensure your parent gets the nutrients he or she needs by including plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fibers in the dishes.
If your aging loved one needs occasional help with bathing, grooming, cooking, or other basic household tasks, or if you need time to attend to important personal matters, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a leading provider of live-in and respite care. Roseville seniors can maintain their independence while living at home with the help of our reliable respite caregivers.
Watch a Holiday Movie
Choose from some of your parent’s favorite holiday classics, and make sure to include a few the grandchildren will also enjoy. Your loved one can share stories pertaining to the films and let you all know why they are his or her all-time favorites. Watching holiday movies can prevent isolation and stimulate the mind. Check with the local theater to see if they are showing any classic holiday films. Getting out of the house could be the perfect way to boost your loved one’s mental and emotional health.
Wrap Gifts
Ask your loved one to help you wrap gifts for your children the night before Christmas to increase his or her hand-eye coordination. In addition to wrapping gifts, you can help your parent create greeting cards to send out to family members and friends. If your loved one prefers to purchase greeting cards from the store, help him or her address the envelopes and drop the cards off at the post office. Giving gifts and sending cards of appreciation could provide your parent with a sense of purpose and boost his or her mental and emotional wellbeing.
Hiring a professional caregiver is one of the best ways to help your parent enjoy a high quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Roseville elder care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call us at (916) 226-3737 to schedule a free in-home consultation.