Valentine's Day is a special holiday, but trying to find ways to celebrate when elderly relatives live at home or are without their spouse for the first time can be challenging. Senior Helpers Elmira-Ithaca understands how important it is for seniors and their caregivers to continue celebrating all kinds of holidays. Here are some ideas on how you can make this Valentine's Day extra special, both for you and your senior.
The Benefits of Celebrating Valentine's Day With Elderly Relatives
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Making Memories Together
Celebrating Valentine's Day with your elderly relative can create unique memories that the two of you will cherish for a lifetime. Whether it's something as simple as decorating cookies, taking a walk, or going out to dinner, spending quality time together is always enjoyable and memorable.
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Ensuring a Sense of Companionship
As we age, our loved ones think less about gifts and more about having someone who they can share special moments with. What better way to show how much you care than by taking advantage of this opportunity to strengthen your bond?
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Creating a Sense of Normalcy
When you bring in familiar activities for Valentine's Day such as crafting or sharing stories from past holidays with one another, it can help create an environment where seniors can escape their daily routines and feel normal again (even if just for an hour).
Planning Activities to Celebrate With Elderly Relatives
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Making a Special Meal
What better way to celebrate together than with food? Choose his or her favorite recipes and put some extra effort into decorating the dessert. Or, if you've already planned a Valentine's Day dinner with your partner, ask the senior to join you at the table. Not only will it be meaningful for your elderly relative, but it will also give you additional memories together.
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Going on a Virtual Adventure
Make use of technology by finding fun activities online which can help seniors escape from reality and explore something new this Valentine's Day! Whether you're looking at virtual tours of iconic monuments around the world or playing games meant to capture and hold their attention, there are so many ways to make sure both of you have an enjoyable experience.
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Decorating the Home
Think about putting up decorations that reflect the senior's interests, whether they be family photos or colors that evoke certain trips or memories. This small gesture goes a long way in helping seniors feel appreciated no matter what holiday is being celebrated.
This Valentine's Day, Contact Senior Helpers Elmira-Ithaca
If your elderly loved one now lives with you or their spouse has suddenly passed, this Valentine's Day may not look like celebrations from past years. However, you can still find unique ways to include and make your elderly relative feel special. For more information on how our in-home caregivers can help your senior thrive year-round in Elmira, Ithaca, Corning, Bath, and Watkins Glen, contact us today.