Give A Gift Of Time To Your Senior Care Home Patient This Holiday Season

By Author: Robin Hewitt
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Often when an elderly parent is your senior in care at home holidays become a stressful, demanding season. With gifts to purchase and wrap, places to go, and people to visit, both the patient and the caregiver become exhausted to the point of illness and begin to count the days until the season is over. By casting a fresh look on the opportunities a family holiday can offer, both the senior and their primary caregiver can relax and enjoy the true meaning of the holiday season. The key is to enlist other family members in the planning, and hold the family gathering in the parent’s residence or assisted living residence.


Plan ahead: Call siblings and relatives a month or two in advance and discuss the pros and cons of hosting the party at your parent’s home. Ask for volunteers that can show up a week in advance to help with the cleaning and other preparations, such as your parent’s shopping and gift-wrapping needs.


Keep it Simple: Consider making the majority of the meal potluck, or ask each relative to bring a specific dish to share. Make sure there’s an area for younger kids to play ...
... in without fear of breaking an heirloom treasure, and remember that your parent will most likely need at least one nap or the usual rest time she enjoys in the senior care home. If your parent is in an assisted living facility, check with those in charge so you know exactly what is and isn’t allowed.


Recruit the younger generations: Ask each generation to volunteer some time dedicated to their elder. For example, a teen could offer to read for half an hour; adolescents can take grandpa for a walk or talk about their latest sports game, and younger children can plan to color a special picture for their grandparent. This will give a needed break to the primary caregiver while the elderly parent basks in the attention of their offspring.


Don’t be shy: Tell your family members exactly what will or will not work. If you’re the primary caregiver, you know from experience what’s best for mom or dad and can gently point out the pros or cons of each idea in order to make the day go smoothly. Since those in senior care at home often have few material needs, it’s a good idea to make a list of things that would truly be appreciated—whether it is a large print book, a new bathrobe, or a box of candy. Add practical things to the list, such as gift cards from a favorite restaurant or grocery store or contribution to the electric or prescription drug bill.


In conclusion, instead of dreading the stress that often comes with holidays and other family get- togethers, this year plan your celebration around your senior in care at home or assisted living residence parent. By holding the celebration at home and with contributions from other family members you can all enjoy a peaceful celebration, and both senior and their caregiver will emerge unscathed by the usual holiday hassles.

Robin Hewitt is a freelance writer working with Visiting Angels to help educate those in charge of senior home care. For more information about assisted living services, visit our website soon.