Reducing Holiday Stress for Seniors

The holiday season can bring much joy and happiness to people of all ages. While most of us acknowledge that the holidays are a time that we look forward to every year, we can also admit that this season can also be filled with chaos and a little bit of stress as well.

For seniors who are not as mobile or as energetic, this season can be one that is fraught with stress about traveling to family members’ homes or the financial stress of buying gifts for all the grandchildren.

Thankfully, the holidays can be a joyous time minus the stress if caregivers take a few steps to be cognizant of the seniors in their life. Here are a few suggestions on ways you can reduce stress for the seniors in your life this holiday season.

Reduce Holiday Financial Stress

The holidays can be an unnerving time not just physically or mentally, but on our wallets too! Buying gifts for everyone on our list can add up quickly. This stress for a senior on a limited or set income budget can put even more strain on the season than needed.

While many seniors want to shower their family members with all the gifts their hearts desire, that may be out of the realm of possibility. We suggest doing a traditional Yankee Swap, a white elephant gift swap, or a Secret Santa gift party to allow seniors to be involved in the gift-giving without breaking the bank.

Reduce Travel Stress

Many of us spend the holidays traveling from one family member’s home to the next to share a meal, exchange presents and enjoy family time together. This process of traveling and getting in and out of locations can be particularly stressful for less mobile seniors who need physical assistance.

We suggest consolidating family events to one or two homes that are accessible and will allow a senior to attend even for a short while. Reduce the number of locations for the seniors and pare down the hours of the event to accommodate their energy level as well as mobility needs.

Keep Activities Manageable

If your family activities take you outside the home, consider your senior’s accessibility needs first.

Is the area you will be visiting wheelchair-accessible or walker accessible? Are bathrooms easily found or is the weather a consideration?

Think through what your senior loved one may need and the duration of the event. If you keep each activity manageable physically and mentally, your senior will be able to enjoy the activity more.

Make a Meal Plan

Many seniors have some dietary restrictions whether it is a low sodium diet or one that needs to reduce the amount of sugar eaten. No matter what the dietary restrictions may be, plan well in advance so that your senior will have access to foods that are within that diet.

Honor Existing Schedules

If your senior loved one has a set schedule of meals, activities, or medical needs, keep those in mind when scheduling your holiday events or gatherings. If your senior has in-home care during a certain time, schedule around their schedule to keep things as normal as possible during this somewhat chaotic season.

Our Senior Helpers can help you make this season joyous as you spend time with your family members. Talk to our team about companions and helpers who can lend a helping hand during this especially busy time of year.