The holiday season is finally here, and this period is typically associated with cheer and joy. However, for caregivers, the season can also bring additional concerns for their elderly loved ones. Seniors may face a variety of stresses during this time of year, and understanding how to ease these emotional burdens will ensure a festive time. Here’s what you can do to help your elderly loved one enjoy the season.

How Caregivers Help Seniors During the Holidays

1. Travel to Them

If your senior has mobility issues, they may be worried about how they’ll spend time with their loved ones. They may feel guilty about asking people for a ride or stress about how they’ll get to a family member’s home. To eliminate this concern, bring the celebrations to them.

If they live at home, spend the holidays at their place, and handle responsibilities, like cooking and cleaning, so that they don’t overexert themselves. If they’re in a nursing home, take the family to visit them. Exchange gifts at the facility and bring treats to make the occasion more festive.

2. Watch Their Diet

The holidays are synonymous with delicious goodies and meals. As a caregiver, it’s your responsibility to ensure your loved one maintains a balanced diet. Make healthy alternatives for traditional treats to protect their well-being while allowing them to partake in the festivities. For example, if they need to watch their blood sugar levels, bake holiday cookies with sweetener substitutes.

3. Manage the Holiday Blues

If your loved one has lost people in their life, whether it’s family members, a spouse, or friends, they may struggle with feelings of grief or sadness toward the end of the year. Caregivers can ease this depression by finding ways to honor the departed. Start a tradition with your senior that pays homage to their lost loved one, such as baking the deceased’s favorite dish or creating a holiday ornament with their name on it.

If you need help caring for an elderly loved one this holiday season, contact the compassionate professionals at Hale Makua Health Services in Kahului, HI. Their attentive and skilled team will ensure your family member is healthy, happy, and mentally engaged at all times. Learn more about their services online, and call (808) 877-2761 to schedule a consultation.