Home for the Holidays: How Seniors can Enjoy the Season at Home
The holidays are a special time to spend with family and loved ones. The excitement of the season is in the air and everyone is getting geared up for the big day. Caregivers play an important role in the lives of their clients during the holidays. The elderly can get lonely during this time of the year, particularly if friends and family have moved away. When a caregiver is there to make the holiday season meaningful for an elderly client, it adds meaning to both people's lives.
The Gift of Connection
In-home caregivers make sure their clients have the things they need to feel comfortable and happy during the holidays, including someone who cares enough to listen when they reminisce about their childhood Christmases and other memories from years past. Having time for reminiscing about Christmas memories keeps the seniors engaged in the magic of the season and helps them look forward to what otherwise might be a lonely time of the year. This can be a fun experience for the caregiver and their client alike!
Attending Events
Many seniors enjoy going out and participating in holiday activities. Caregivers can help their clients engage in family and community events by driving, helping them around the venue, and being there for support when needed.
Of course, some people prefer to stay home, and that's okay too. There are so many fun holiday activities that can be done from home, such as baking, decorating the tree, watching a favorite Christmas movie, or making inexpensive gifts for friends and family. Being able to engage in activities like this while living in their own home allows seniors to maintain a sense of normalcy with the rhythms of the holiday season.
Connecting with Loved Ones
Seniors who live in a care facility often have difficulty connecting with family. Staff are often overworked, and while they care deeply about their patients they don't have the time to sit down and help a resident connect with family who may live in a different area.
For seniors who live at home, this is an entirely different situation. The one-on-one relationship that they have with their caregiver means that the caregiver can help them get distant family members on the phone or even set up a video chat.
If family is local, a caregiver may be able to help invite them over for some holiday cheer. Or maybe they'd like some help planning a fun activity so they can spend more time with their family and friends. Whatever it is, a caregiver can make sure the home is clean and picked up, maybe with light snacks and drinks stocked so they are ready for visitors.
Flexible and Rewarding Relationships
The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together, but it can be difficult for caregivers to balance their work and personal life. The flexibility of the care-giving role means that the caregiver can be there for their client, but still be able to go home after a few hours to enjoy their own traditions with family.
Holidays can be a tough time of the year for many seniors as memories of lost loved ones and holidays gone by, or simply feelings of loneliness enter their minds while everybody else celebrates. The holiday season also brings a different set of needs than the rest of the year. Caregivers fill a vital and rewarding role in the hearts and minds of these people as they keep them safe, occupied, and able to enjoy the holidays in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
If you're interested in exploring whether the role of a caregiver might be a good fit for you, we'd love to talk. You can learn more about our open positions, or contact us to get your questions answered!
