At Home Care Assistance, we believe that a few simple adjustments go a long way in ensuring that EVERYONE has the best time socialising over the festive season. Our Care Workers are often very much a part of the planning and preparation process assisting in a number of ways from helping with Christmas shopping, to wrapping presents, offering transport to social events, to popping Christmas cards into the local post office. Home Care Assistance Care Workers provide more than just age care services but become companions for those aging in place during such a special time of year.
It’s interesting that as we get older, the more we tend to ‘spectate’ at festive gatherings, rather than participate, which for many seniors through the years, hasn’t always been the case. It’s important to remember that they were once in charge of planning the family gatherings and making sure the house felt festive, but as we slow down with age and need more help, the festive responsibilities gradually change hands.
That said, involving seniors in the festivities during the holidays is key to creating an experience that they will truly enjoy and remember. We all know how stressful and chaotic social gatherings can be, so it’s particularly important to ensure that seniors are comfortable and feel included in every way possible. Whether your loved one is aging in place, living with you, or in senior living, there are so many wonderful ways for them to participate – from cherished traditions, to creating new customs together that will keep the holiday season festive and enjoyable for everyone. This can also include enlisting their cooking or baking expertise by helping prepare a dish, or by simply assisting with some light chopping or peeling. This can also be facilitated and encouraged during in-home care support by our Care Workers, helping to prepare for visits from family and friends.
A few things to consider when planning a family gathering or attending a social gathering with seniors is to:
Ensure proper seating and access. Make sure that your aging loved one has a comfortable place to sit at the party. It’s best for their seat to be in a central location, so that they can enjoy the company of others without feeling isolated. In addition to this, access and type of seating (arms rests and not too low) is also important for seniors to be able to move around safely without the worry of tripping or bumping furniture if aided.
Help facilitate one-on-one conversation. Although you want your aging loved one to be engaged with everyone at the party, make sure that you take time to talk with them one-on-one. Ask them to recall their most cherished memories of Christmas and what they loved most from their childhood. That’s always a great conversation starter!
Be mindful of hearing impairments. Some seniors count themselves blessed to still have their hearing, while others may find social situations and loud spaces challenging. If this is the case, either speak slowly and loudly – or move to a quieter location.
Enlist help. Plan in advance to have others help you care for your loved one. Home Care Assistance Care Workers can accompany your aging loved one to gatherings and share the experience with them. This way everyone will enjoy the party and you will have peace of mind knowing your loved one is in trusted hands.
Plan for special attention. If you’re serving a meal at the event, help your loved one prepare their plate or offer to plate up for them. If they have any food allergies or special nutritional needs, plan in advance and prepare.
Limit the event’s duration. If you are hosting, make sure that the party doesn’t go on for hours on end. If you are not the host, don’t feel bad if you need to leave early!
As providers of customised aged care services for older Australians so they can live happier, healthier lives at home, we champion the needs of those requiring in-home care services with a positive, empowering approach that celebrates independence, dignity and quality of life. Our trained and experienced Care Workers are on hand to assist where needed, and as the holiday season ramps up, they are able to facilitate transport to and from social events, help with the wrapping of presents, assist with decorating and preparing their home for the holidays and their guests, and so much more.
