How to Make a Last Christmas at Home Special for Senior Relatives

Christmas is a time to share moments of unity, joy, celebration, and thanksgiving with the whole family. The goal is to keep seniors engaged over the holiday and provide them with an enjoyable experience. Showing love and attention to them will make them feel included and willing to participate in whatever way they can. When planning to take elderly loved ones to a senior care facility, make an effort to make their last holiday at home special, memorable and unique. Here are some activities to make their Christmas special.

Traditional Christmas Dinner

For many people, Christmas meals make the holiday more festive. Meal preparation is a good activity for seniors who are physically capable and able to contribute. Have them share traditional recipes or ask for help cooking the Christmas meals. Cooking is a stimulating activity that will make them feel involved and for seniors who can't cook or prepare food, ask for assistance in tasting and take their opinion. Always give seniors a sense of purpose suitable to improve their well-being and mental health.

Holiday Movies

Watching family-friendly holiday movies is a great way to brighten the Christmas holiday. It is a Christmas activity that everyone enjoys together while spending time with one another. Pick a film that the elderly loved ones would want so that they also have a great time. The entertainment will make them forget about their health and age-related issues.

Christmas Stories

Storytelling is enjoyable during a family Christmas, and the elderly are a great source of these stories. The exercise enhances their memory and shows support from the family members listening to them. It is interesting to hear about the experiences and adventures they have had in their life. For seniors, telling stories enables them to relive past moments, which is therapeutic and improves their mood. Additionally, stories teach grandchildren about the importance and meaning of Christmas.

Decorate Together

Elderly parents usually have decorations from past Christmases, which they treasure. Bring them out from storage and use them around the house or on the tree. Adults, seniors, and children should all participate in decorating while conversing about these unique ornaments. Place their favorite decorations in areas where they are visible and can be enjoyed. For the elderly, the craft is occupational therapy, and the activity helps to reduce stress and boredom while strengthening family bonds.

Christmas Caroling

Bringing people together to sing Christmas carols can initially seem a bit clichéd, but it becomes a joyous event after it gets going. It can be a lot of fun indoors with family and friends. Music, whether carols or favorite songs, uplifts the mood and fills a room with positivity. Music can help elders feel better mentally and emotionally while relieving anxiety symptoms. Additionally, the younger generation can hear long-forgotten songs from the elderly, creating a lively and cheerful atmosphere.

Get Assistance for Senior Relatives

Christmas is a time to come together and celebrate with the entire family. It is a time to show love and kindness towards elderly relatives. For families taking the elderly to home care, make their Christmas celebration unique and show them how much everyone cares about them. Celebrate together and make memories they will cherish forever. Senior Helpers Moanalua-Honolulu has a helpful and trained staff to assist with personal care for anyone in need of in-home care in Honolulu and Fort Shafter. Contact us today to find out more about the services we offer.