The holiday season is in full swing in Honolulu. We know that many celebrations – and possibly some long-standing traditions – may look different this year due to COVID-19. But that doesn’t mean all festivities have to stop. If you are a family caregiver, here are some things you can do to help brighten the holidays for your senior loved one.
Help them get into the holiday spirit
- Deck the halls with some of their beloved holiday decorations such as wreaths, garlands, and ornaments.
- Set aside time to bake holiday cookies, candy, or other seasonal favorites together. You can even do this virtually if you are not able to visit in person.
- Watch a holiday movie.
- Arrange for virtual caroling. Gather family and ‘ohana around the phone or computer to sing traditional holiday songs together.
- Drive through the neighborhood to take in some of the holiday light displays and decorations.
- Eat a traditional holiday meal together. If this is not an option, consider delivering a home-cooked meal to your loved one and set up a video chat so that you can share it together.
Help bring back their holiday traditions
Having familiarity during the holidays provides comfort and joy, especially when many seniors feel isolated. Allow your family member to talk about their most loved holiday traditions and consider bringing some of them back this year.
Help them connect with family and friends
During this pandemic, we have seen several creative ways people have tried to stay connected. During this time of year, it is essential to help your elderly parent feel as though they are part of holiday celebrations and family fun, even if you cannot spend time with each other in-person.
With so many ways to communicate – from Zoom to FaceTime to Skype – it’s easier than ever to stay in touch with the ones you love. Set up group video calls, virtual holiday celebrations, or individual visits. Many kupuna also enjoy receiving mail. Round up friends, family, and the kids and have them send holiday cards, letters, and messages to them.
Social isolation and loneliness have played an even bigger part during this past year, especially among the elderly population. Unfortunately, the holidays can make these feelings more difficult to manage.
Help keep them active
Even in isolation, older adults need to stay active. There are many ways to encourage activity at home during the holidays, including:
- Walking or other light exercises
- Listening to music
- Cooking or baking holiday favorites
- Working on puzzles or other hobbies
- Looking through family photo albums
- Holiday card making, gift-wrapping, or decorating
If you are a family caregiver and you need help tackling all the things that come with the holiday season, consider hiring professional respite care services or elder care solutions at home.
This article is provided by Lauri Topping, Owner, FirstLight Home Care of Honolulu. For more information, visit us online at Honolulu.FirstLightHomeCare.com or call us at (808)600-3733.
Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau’oli Makahiki Hou from all your friends at FirstLight Home Care.
