For many families that are caring for elderly relatives at home, having a meaningful Valentine's Day is both important and sometimes difficult to navigate. However, by understanding what Valentine's Day may look like from your elder relative's perspective and involving them in the planning process you can make sure there is plenty of room to celebrate.
Understanding Valentine's Day from Your Elderly Relative's Perspective
Valentine's Day is traditionally a time to express affection, deepen your relationships, and have lots of fun with the ones you love. Depending on your elderly relative's health or mobility, many common holiday plans — going out for dinner or picking up flowers — may be difficult or uncomfortable for them. It's helpful to find activities that allow them to feel included in the day.
Give Yourself Room to Celebrate
You naturally want your relative to have the best Valentine's Day experience possible, but it's also important that you make some room for yourself. While it may feel challenging to have plans of your own with a senior relative at home, consider ways to include them in your day. Take them out for a lunch date, do crafts indoors, or cook a special meal for them before heading out to your plans.
4 Ways to Make Valentine's Day Meaningful for Elderly Relatives
Even if traditional Valentine's Day activities seem out of the question, there are still plenty of ways to make this meaningful for your elderly relative. The best way is to focus on their interests and make sure they enjoy a day full of engaging activities — ones that make them smile, laugh or experience moments of joy.
Involve Them in the Planning Process
One of the most important rules of thumb when planning a Valentine's Day outing for your elderly relative is to ask them what they would like to do. This not only allows you to make any necessary accommodations, but it also shows them that their input matters and gives them some feeling of control over their care — both important in keeping morale high.
Focus on Their Interests
Once you've discussed their input and ideas, focus on what interests them the most. Listening to music or watching movies together at home, baking cookies, painting with watercolors, or going on a leisurely walk are all fantastic options.
Spend Quality Time Together
Just spending quality time together can be the most meaningful activity for everyone involved. Activities like having an afternoon picnic or chatting about life experiences will make you and your loved one feel special on this day.
Give a Meaningful Gift
The best gifts come from the heart. Your loved one will feel cherished and loved when receiving a present from you on Valentine's Day. Flowers and chocolates are long-standing favorites for this holiday, but anything that makes you think of your loved one will do.
Senior Helpers Provides In-Home Care Options
Balancing the care needs of senior relatives with your own Valentine's Day plans doesn't have to be a chore. With some thought and creativity, you can come up with fun ways to celebrate this special day together. The additional support from Senior Helpers for in-home senior care services — both on an ongoing or one-time basis — can take the stress from caring off your plate so that everyone can enjoy a memorable holiday together. For seniors in Corpus Christi, Rockport, Port Aransas, Portland, Refugio, Kingsville, Alice, Beeville, Robstown, and Mathis, contact us today to see if our services are a good fit.