While we often think of addressing our loved ones’ most fundamental needs when caring for them, elder care also encompasses aspects like emotional well-being. The holidays can be challenging for seniors, who may feel lonely this time of year. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can make your elderly family member’s holiday special this year. 

How to Make This Season Special for Your Senior

1. Decorate With Them 

Part of elder care is minimizing the risk of injuries in seniors. For older adults, setting up a tree and decorating the home can be exhausting at best, and in some cases, even dangerous. Save your loved one the energy by offering to help them decorate and play festive music as you do.

2. Consider Hosting 

Even if your loved one has always hosted the holidays, consider giving them a break this year. Offer to host at your home, or if it’s easier, bring the dinner to them. If your family member insists on hosting, ask if you can arrive early to help them prepare. 

3. Celebrate Traditions as a Family

One of the best ways to make the holidays special for your loved one is to celebrate their traditions with younger generations. Invite them over to bake their favorite cookie recipe with your own children, or keep up any other holiday tradition at your family gathering to show them how family practices are being passed down. 

4. Help Them Manage Their Spending

Another often-overlooked aspect of elder care is financial management. If your loved one is asking for help managing their money, consider helping them establish a budget for the holidays. Offer to do a “secret Santa” arrangement in which each family member purchases an item for someone else to help keep costs down.

5. Ask What They’d Really Like

Encourage your loved one to ask about what they’d really like to receive as a gift this year. For instance, gifts like monthly passes for dinner as a family that they can “cash in” could be more appreciated than anything you might buy in a store. 

If you have a senior loved one who could use some assistance through the holiday season and beyond, turn to Visiting Angels in Fayette County, KY. Specializing in elder care, this team of providers offers a broad range of services, including personal, companion, and respite care. Explore their full list of homecare solutions online, or call (859) 223-0398 to speak with a team member.