How do I keep my older loved ones safe during the holidays?

Here are a handful of suggestions: modify traditions, don’t forego decorations, enjoy the wonderful outdoors, and share your emotions.

Holiday Safety for Older Adults During COVID-19

Senior man on video call for Christmas — Memorable and safe holidays for older adults are possible with these tips.

Think about the most perfect holiday season you are able to imagine. While that image can vary slightly for each of us, it may include good food, gifts, lights, and traditions handed down through the generations. Yet what absolutely rings true for everyone is the satisfaction in spending time with the ones we love.

Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused all of us to rethink the best way to enjoy holiday safety for older adults. With a bit of ingenuity and creativity, however, it’s feasible to bridge the gap and make new memories with the seniors you adore, even if you are not able to be together with them in person this season.

Our aging care experts have compiled a handful of suggestions to ensure holiday safety for older adults:

Modify traditions. Think through the traditions that mean the most to you and your family, and how you can alter them to keep everyone safe. For instance, if the family typically gets together each year to bake cookies, you might use Zoom or a similar platform to stay connected while baking from home. Choose a favorite recipe, have everyone log on at a specified time, and bake away while talking and listening to some holiday music.
Don’t forego decorations. Older adults who live alone frequently look ahead to having loved ones, especially grandchildren, visit to help with holiday decorating. Without in-person visits, seniors may not be motivated to bother with decorations. Again, using a software app like Zoom, schedule a time for the whole family to get together online and share the stories behind beloved decorations.
Enjoy the wonderful outdoors. If weather permits, plan short visits with seniors outside, safely socially distant and with face coverings. String lights on trees in the yard and decorate the front porch. In the case of snow, have the children build a snowman or engage in a snowball fight while your older loved ones watch from the window.
Send smiles. Pictures, cards, letters, telephone calls, small gifts, etc. will all mean so much to senior loved ones who will be missing time with family and friends. Coordinate with family members to take turns reaching out as much as possible in ways such as this so your older loved ones are overwhelmed with expressions of love.
Share your emotions. There is nothing quite as heartwarming as hearing from someone you love about the impact you’ve made on his/her life. Take this time to express your thankfulness towards the seniors you love for the difference they have made in your daily life, and be specific: “Mom, your patience with me when I was an adolescent taught me what unconditional love looks like, and because of you, I’m a more patient person with my own children.”

Sage Home Care’s caregivers are fully trained and experienced in improving quality of life for older adults in the home, and follow strict safety protocols for everyone’s protection. Reach out to us at 1-800-578-4554 to discover how our services for Darien home health in the nearby communities can help make this holiday season the best it can be by ensuring holiday safety for older adults. For a full list of each of the communities we serve in Connecticut and New York, please visit our Service Area page.