7 Tips for Supporting Elderly Family During the Holiday Season

The holidays are a time for gathering with family, but when you’re a caregiver for an aging parent, things can feel different. Perhaps your mom’s dementia is worsening, or your dad has become frail. You worry they may not be able to join the celebration and, if they do, that they won’t enjoy the family gathering.

How can you help your aging loved ones enjoy the holidays while managing their needs?

“The holidays can be particularly challenging for older loved ones who have memory or mobility issues,” said Sierra Goetz, co-founder and operations director at the HomeCare Advocacy Network (HCAN). “It’s important for family members to be aware of the challenges and make a plan to cope with them – so that their older loved ones feel included… not burdensome.”

Goetz offers these holiday tips for seniors and their families to make the season joyous for everyone.

1. Plan Ahead for a Safe and Comfortable Environment

Successful caregiver holiday planning starts with preparing the space. If you’re hosting, clear clutter, move furniture, and pick up throw rugs to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs and eliminate tripping hazards. This simple step helps create a mobility-friendly holiday gathering.

If your aging loved ones tire easily, consider limiting the number of activities they participate in or the length of their visit. The noise and confusion of a large family gathering can lead to irritability or exhaustion. Ensure there is a quiet space where they can retreat if needed.

2. Modify Festivities to Accommodate Limitations

Come up with ways to continue long-standing traditions, perhaps with slight changes to accommodate your aging loved ones. A key part of supporting an elderly family member during the holiday season is adapting. Be sure to account for potential challenges with meals and other activities, especially for those with mental, physical, or dietary issues.

3. Encourage Reminiscing to Spark Joy

Seniors with memory issues may have trouble remembering recent events, but they often recall stories from the past with clarity. This can be a wonderful opportunity for connection. Break out family albums, videos, and music to help stimulate their memory. Encourage them to share holiday stories and experiences they remember. These dementia holiday tips can make the season feel more familiar and comforting.

4. Create New, Senior-Friendly Traditions

Consider adding something new to your celebrations. Focus on activities that will be easy for your older loved ones to participate in and enjoy. Baking cookies, simple holiday crafts, or driving through neighborhoods to see the holiday lights are all great examples of new, senior-friendly traditions that can create lasting memories for everyone.

5. Acknowledge and Validate Feelings of Grief

The holidays often bring back memories of family members and friends who have passed away. While it’s a festive time, it’s important to understand that your aging loved ones may also be experiencing feelings of grief and sadness. Acknowledging grief during the holidays and allowing space for those feelings is a powerful way to show support.

6. Monitor Diet, Alcohol, and Medications

Holiday celebrations can be chaotic, but try to keep your older loved ones on their regular meal and medication schedule. Make sure everyone is aware of any dietary restrictions. It’s also wise to limit alcohol intake, as it can interfere with some medications and affect balance and mobility, increasing the risk of falls.

7. Find Ways to Have Long-Distance Celebrations

If travel challenges or other circumstances keep you from being physically together, look for other ways to celebrate. A virtual holiday celebration using platforms like FaceTime or Zoom can bridge the distance. You can open gifts together, share a meal, or simply chat and connect face-to-face.

“While the holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year for most of us, it can be just the opposite for seniors,” Goetz said. “Taking a few, simple steps now will help you overcome some of the challenges, so family members of all ages can have a great time.”

To learn about HCAN services designed to help seniors age safely in their homes, visit hcan.com or call your local HCAN-supported office.