Visiting family is a holiday tradition. It's nice to recharge and hang out with loved ones during some of the best times of the year. However, it's not always feasible. Maybe the trip is too far this year, schedules won't allow it, or someone's gotten sick. Either way, it means staying home instead of traveling to see family. This can be tough on everyone, especially the seniors in the family. If you find yourself in this position, here's what to do if you can't visit your elderly parents this holiday season.
1. Communicate Early
Springing the news on someone that the plans they thought they had aren't happening anymore isn't very kind. It's always a good idea to tell others about changes like this as early as possible. Doing so will give seniors more time to come to terms with not seeing their family that year and feel less of a shock if they've been planning for this for weeks already. Communication throughout the month will make the absence of tradition and the change in plans much more bearable for everyone.
2. Find Alternatives
While the family may not be together in person, that doesn't mean everyone can't still see each other. With modern technology, face-to-face meetings are only one of the ways to get everyone together over the holidays. Checking in on the phone is an easy way to spread the love, but another option would be video calling. It may not be exactly the same, but gathering around the computer to call in, play some games, watch movies together, and similar can help make things feel more normal.
3. Look Forward to the Future
Plans may have been canceled this year, but that doesn't mean it will always be that way. It's certainly upsetting to miss the holidays, but the great thing about them is that they happen every year. This time next year, everyone can meet up again like normal and make up for the lost time. Keeping this in mind can help keep spirits up and provide a fun brainstorming session for how to celebrate in an even bigger and better way next time.
Get Help From Senior Helpers Roseville
It can be stressful when a person realizes they can't always be there for their parents or another senior in their life who needs assistance. Whether it's being unable to travel to see them over the holidays or not being able to help them around the house daily, not knowing and not being able to help takes a significant toll. Let us at Senior Helpers Roseville take some of that responsibility off your shoulders. We provide excellent in-home care to seniors throughout Roseville and the surrounding areas, including St. Paul, New Brighton, Shoreview, and North Oaks. Get in touch with us today to see how much we can help you and your loved ones.