When a family member is bed-bound or living in a care facility, either just for a few weeks or long term, it’s especially hard during the holiday season. You want to spend quality time together, go to seasonal activities like church, shopping, and tree lightings, and share in the merriment and light the season is all about.
Whether your aging loved one is bedridden in their own home or living in an assisted living or care facility, the holidays bring challenges as you want to feel connected and close. It can even lead to guilt or anxiety that you aren’t meeting your mom or dad’s needs.
With that said, there are ways to stay connected and close during this special season. The first is to talk with your favorite senior. Ask them what activities they would like to find a way to be included in. To get you thinking, we’ll share a few of our favorite ways to keep the connection strong – during the holidays and year around.
Bring the holidays to them – If your loved one lives nearby, adapt holiday traditions so they can be included from the comfort of their bed. Set up a screen to watch a classic Christmas movie, sing carols through the halls of their facility for all of the residents to enjoy, or bring a gingerbread house kit so they can watch the messy fun.
Enlist companion caregivers as elves – Angel Companions caregivers do not only help with housekeeping and personal care. They also go the extra mile to make the holidays merry for the people they care for. Talk to them about cooking their favorite foods this time of year, decking the halls with holiday decor in the elder’s bedroom, and helping to open presents sent to your loved one.
Holiday mail – Make sure friends and family know how to send mail to your bed-bound family member. Holiday greeting cards warm the spirit and remind them of the pleasures of the season, and of course, gifts are always appreciated too.
Video calls – FaceTime or video chat with your aging senior to include them in the special moments of Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, and more. A professional caregiver can help set up calls if you can’t be there to assist with technology. Sing carols, watch presents being opened, or read a beloved holiday book over the screen.
Caring Bridge – This free online tool allows you to communicate health updates with friends and family and for them to send messages back. It can be a great way for friends near and far to let your loved one know people care about them and are thinking of them this time of year.
Angel Companions’ mission is to support families with the highest level of in-home senior care to ensure the quality of life for your loved one. Our angels help with tasks large and small so that elders feel cozy and cared for.
Do you have questions about how professional care services could make your family member’s care easier and better? If so, contact us today.