Caring and Providing Help for Seniors During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is full of emotional and social importance. The emotional spirit of the holidays can be calming and nostalgic or remind us of cherished moments from the past. Now is a good time to check in with your senior loved ones to ensure their health and well-being.

In this article, we’ll share tips for helping seniors by supporting their physical and emotional well-being and strengthening family connections during the busy holiday season. 

Seniors and their emotional connection to the holidays

Many, seniors included, feel nostalgic or emotional over the holiday season. The Christmas holiday season may remind seniors of the past, whether that be a positive feeling or not.

Regardless, we should provide extra connection and compassion for seniors during the holiday season. This extra compassion and attention helps them feel loved and seen and can help prevent social isolation and the physical and emotional effects of anxiety and depression. 

Conversations to have with seniors

As you visit with seniors over the Christmas holidays, casually have these meaningful conversations:

• How are you managing daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and personal hygiene?

Be sure to also look around their home to see how truthful they’re being with their answers. Some seniors may be less than forthcoming if they feel embarrassed that they cannot manage these tasks independently. 

• Do you remember to take your medications on time?

Consider doing a medication review with your loved one. If you are worried they’re not taking their medications, consider counting what they have, creating daily pill boxes, or having a conversation with their doctor about your concerns.

• Do you feel safe and comfortable in your home? 

Ask about any recent injuries to determine if there is a new safety risk in their home. As they age and their mobility and coordination decrease, they may be more susceptible to injuries, and this is something to be mindful of. Ask if there are any tasks in their home that they don’t feel comfortable doing, such as using the stairs, reaching items on a high shelf, basic hygiene, or cooking. 

• Have you been eating regular, nutritious meals? 

Ask them about their recent favourite meals. If you suspect they’re not eating, check their cupboards and fridge to ensure a healthy food supply is available. You might offer to cook a few meals for the freezer or order a meal prep service to ensure they’re eating nutritiously. 

• Are you staying socially active and engaged with friends or community activities?  

Being active physically and socially helps prevent depression and sadness in seniors. Ask them who’s visited them recently, what activities or exercises they’re doing, and how (or if) they feel connected to their friends, family, and community. 

Signs of health and wellbeing

In addition to having these essential conversations, be aware of these common signs that may indicate they’re struggling with their health or well-being: 

• Appearance:  Have there been any changes in their appearance or personal hygiene habits?
• Mobility:  Do you notice any unusual or new injuries that may indicate a recent fall? 
• Weight:  Does it appear that they have unexpectedly gained or lost weight since you last saw them?
• Memory:  Do they have difficulty remembering events, people’s names, or information and facts they should have known?
• Social wellbeing:  Are they withdrawing from social occasions with friends, family or neighbours? 
• Household chores: Are household chores and maintenance falling behind or creating an unsafe or unhealthy environment? 
• Medication: Is their medication organized, and are it taking them on time?

If you notice any of these signs of failing health or struggling wellbeing, bring them up discreetly and compassionately with your loved one. These issues should be addressed to avoid the senior feeling embarrassed or defensive. 

If you need help, ask their doctor or or a trusted professional home care agency like Hero Home Care.

Providing extra help for seniors during the holidays (and year-round)

As you check in with your senior loved ones over the holiday season, you may notice a change in their health and wellbeing. If so, it’s time to discuss bringing in professional Home Care services for support. 

A caregiver or nurse can provide your senior assistance with daily activities (cooking, cleaning, basic hygiene), nursing support (medications and health checks), companionship (someone to talk to), and health and wellness checks when you’re unable to do so yourself. 

Happy Holidays from HHC!

The team at Hero Home Care would also like to wish you and your family a very happy and healthy holiday season.

Remember that the holiday season is more than presents and festive gatherings. It’s also a time to reconnect with family and friends, especially our seniors. Use this joyous time to strengthen your family connections and check in with your loved ones to ensure their health and safety. Then, make these relationships a priority in the years to come. 

Hero Home Care is here over the holidays if you need a hand. Contact us today to learn more about our in-home care services for seniors in your community.