The holiday season can be celebratory and joyful but also bittersweet, especially if your senior loved one has experienced heavy life changes such as the loss or separation of their significant other, new living arrangements or increased dependence on the hands-on care of others.

Here are a few tips on navigating the holidays while supporting seniors with grace, compassion and a sense of balance. 

Respect Wishes and Personal Space

This can be a tough task for some, especially if you can’t help but picture that your senior is lonely or missing out on things anytime they’re spending some time to themselves. However, you’re not neglecting them by giving them space. It’s important to balance support with independence – smothering will only remind them how different things are because personal space likely wasn’t an issue before the holiday time in question. 

Have open communication with your senior loved one and ask them what their plans or expectations for the holidays are. If you have activities, traditions or social gatherings you want them to be involved in, suggest them to them gently, but don’t push or force them. 

Patience and understanding are key as holidays can be emotionally challenging, even draining, depending on where a person is mentally, emotionally and physically. 

If they want to spend some time alone, respect this privacy without negativity, hints at FOMO or passive aggression. 

Honour Loved Ones

If your senior lost a special person recently, suggest acknowledging them, even in their absence, by incorporating their memory into holiday traditions. 

Activities could include taking time to share photos of them with others (plus the stories behind them), lighting candles in memory, teaching or cooking their favourite holiday recipe, or donating to a charity in their name. 

Create Meaningful Memories 

If your senior is willing to join in and make the most of the holidays, consider mutual activities such as decorating your home(s) together, trying out holiday baking or crafts, attending holiday parades, taking in a festive sermon (if applicable to your lifestyle), or volunteering with a local not-for-profit organization. 

Beloved memories can also be as simple as sitting down one-on-one, or with the family, and enjoying a classic holiday film together. They may also just enjoy relaxing in a cozy spot with holiday music playing. 

Wrapping Up

By following this guide, you can help seniors navigate the holiday season with positivity, independence and a sense of normalcy.

Want support? At Just Like Family, we’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized care, helping seniors maintain their independence while also offering emotional support, assistance with activities, companionship and more as needed.

For more information, click here to connect with someone in your local area or call our 24/7 helpline at 1-800-728-9801.