The holiday season is traditionally a time to gather together with friends and family, celebrating old traditions and establishing new ones. For those who are struggling with especially busy schedules, however, the holidays might look a little different this year. There are very valid reasons why you might not be able to visit your elderly parents over the holidays. You might not be able to work out a visit during school break, you might be dealing with the effects of COVID-19 or another illness, or you might not be able to make a cross-country trip. While your parents likely will be disappointed by this, there are some things you can do to make things easier, for both your elderly parents and yourself. Here are some tips for what to do if you can't visit your senior parents this holiday season, courtesy of Senior Helpers:
Be Understanding in Your Delivery
When relaying the news that you won't be visiting for the holidays to your elderly parents, try to be as gentle as possible. Your parents will likely be truly disappointed in the news, and although they will be understanding, it will also mean a lot for them to know that you regret not seeing them in person this year.
Make Extra Time for Phone Calls
Even if you can't see your parents in person, taking the time to call a few extra times can go a long way in making your senior relatives feel that sense of connection that is so vital. During that initial phone call, when you explain that you won't be traveling this year, offer to schedule phone calls on a weekly or even daily basis, so that you can still have plenty of time to chat about family, friends, and seasonal happenings.
Plan a Virtual Visit
Phone calls are great, but video calls are even better. Try to schedule a virtual video session with your elderly parents at least several times during the holiday season. Doing a video call on Christmas morning, while gifts are being opened, is a fun way to connect over the shared joy of the holidays with very minimal effort. It might just become a new holiday tradition, allowing family members to connect no matter where they might be around the world. A virtual video call on New Year's Eve is another great chance for you to connect with your elderly parents as the ball drops and a new year begins.
Senior Helpers Offers Tailored Homecare Services
With a little bit of planning, the holiday season can be magical for both you and your elderly parents, even if you can't be with them in person. Senior Helpers offers premier in-home caregiving services to seniors in and around the Akron, Medina, Wadsworth, Barberton, and Summit County areas. If you want to learn more about our customized services, or if you are interested in starting a fulfilling new career with us, contact Senior Helpers today.