While our vision for the holiday season is one of intimate gatherings, delicious meals and bliss, the reality can be much the opposite. Finding that bit of Christmas cheer can be harder the older we get, as our lives and situations change. The volume of activities, shifting of schedules, decadent food and potential for conflict can put added strain on the entire family, especially older adults.
If you’re an older adult, or if you care for someone who is, you can make the holidays more manageable by taking just a short amount of time to plan. By considering some of the factors you can control this season, you can make the holidays safer, healthier and merrier.
When thinking about the holidays and the elderly, try these tips for surviving—and savoring—the holiday season.
Set Realistic Expectations
With all the cheery carols and eruption of holiday decorations, most people tend to romanticize the holiday season. They yearn for movie-scene, stress-free experiences where everyone is happy and healthy, where everything is easy and there are no mishaps. But the reality is that, for most families, the holidays don’t go exactly as planned. They bring some stress and may even be a source of conflict.
By expecting the unexpected during the holidays, you can be prepared for whatever they hold and eliminate the disappointment that can come with inflated expectations. Traditions change as our family changes, and it’s okay to let go of some rituals in exchange for new experiences and memories.
Plan Ahead for Dietary Needs
The holidays are a time of extravagant menus, decadent treats and favorite traditional foods. However, older adults may have dietary needs that prevent them from indulging. If you’re planning a holiday meal or event, be sure to ask your guests about special dietary needs in advance.
If you have special dietary needs, consider bringing your own dish or modifying elements of the meal you’re served. You can even look for alternatives to classic holiday dishes or adapt them to your diet so you can still feel festive and indulge in a way that works for you.
Be Aware of Safety Risks in Unfamiliar Homes
For older adults with disabilities or mobility challenges, an unfamiliar place can be loaded with hidden hazards. Be aware of objects like throw rugs, door mats, barriers in doorways or hallways and cords or loose items that may present a fall risk for older adults. Keep rooms and hallways illuminated. Don’t forget the outside, ensuring that all snow and ice are clear and there are no slip hazards. Handrails inside and out should also be clear and easy to use, so forgo the garland and place it somewhere else where someone can appreciate it but it’s out of the way.
If you’re traveling with elderly parents, let family and friends know ahead of time of any mobility restrictions so they can prepare their house in advance. If an older adult hosts a holiday in their own home and they have some type of cognitive condition or memory loss, consider how moving furniture or changing the configuration of a room might affect their experience.
Be Prepared for Quickly Changing Weather Conditions
December is a month that, in many parts of the country, can bring extreme fluctuations in temperature and weather. Layering can help ensure that older adults are comfortable during the holidays. Appropriate outerwear—including hats, gloves and boots—can help protect them from the elements as they make their way to their holiday events and activities. If you live in colder climates, be sure you’re armed with shovels, salt and other supplies that will keep porches and walkways safe.
Recognize the Signs of Seasonal Depression
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 4% of adults over the age of 70 experience depression. Why? Because certain health conditions and even medications can trigger depression. It can also become more likely when an older adult is adjusting to a significant change, such as a loss, illness or home relocation.
The holiday season can intensify depression and its symptoms for older adults. If you or someone you love is experiencing deep feelings of sadness or anxiety, a change in eating or sleeping habits or loss of interest in daily activities and/or personal hygiene, see your doctor.
Try to Maintain a Schedule and Routine
While it may not be possible to maintain every routine during the busy holiday season, keeping some structure is an invaluable part of senior care. Predictability and consistency in schedule and routine can help improve quality of life. Studies have shown that routines can help reduce stress and anxiety, enhance feelings of safety, security and confidence, and aid in better sleep.
While some routines can have some degree of flexibility, there is one that cannot—and that is the medication schedule. Be sure to keep it on track as holiday activities take hold. Consider calendar reminders, alerts or alarms to help ensure older adults continue prescribed dosage and schedule for important medications.
Get Adequate Sleep
Getting effective restorative sleep can be a challenge for older adults. The aging process, chronic health conditions and certain medications can disrupt sleep. Contrary to popular belief, people don’t need less sleep as they age. Older adults require about the same amount of sleep as their 20-year-old counterparts. Sleep deprivation can affect mood, memory and cognition—among other things—in older adults.
A lack of sleep can have an impact on a senior’s ability to enjoy the holiday season. So don’t shortchange sleep in favor of more holiday activities. Be sure older adults get plenty of rest after traveling, when the body may need extra time to recover. If you’re traveling for the holidays, don’t make extra plans on travel days, such as welcome family dinners so elderly adults can have time to settle in. Also, consider bringing travel versions of the items they may have at home to sleep, such as a CPAP machine or a portable oxygen concentrator. And give them a good pillow and bed so dreams of sugar plums dance in their head!
Find Ways to Include Everyone in Activities
It can be difficult—and even emotional—for older adults whose age or health prevents them from participating in activities or playing traditional holiday roles. Think about new ways to get them involved. For example, break down meal-preparation tasks and assign appropriate roles to family members, young and old. Plan games or activities to do with elderly parents that everyone can enjoy (and try one of these gifts for elderly parents who have everything!). Tag team on gift wrapping or shopping and remember to get outside and enjoy the fresh air when the weather permits.
Don’t Do It All Alone
Many older adults no longer have the health status or stamina to manage the holiday activities they once could. If you’re an older adult, ask for help. If you care for an older adult, be sure to check in to identify needed help or support. And don’t forget that there are resources—like home care—that can help you manage all the demands of the holiday season and beyond.
Senior travel companions can be invaluable during the holiday season, helping older adults drive or fly to visit family and friends during the holiday season. They provide all the essential daily care activities, like mobility, getting dressed, using the bathroom, eating and taking medication, while also providing companionship. With an additional travel companion, you can focus your energy on spending time with your loved one during the holidays with an extra set of hands to help you out.
Enjoy Your Time Together
Regardless of how the meals, parties, gifts or activities of the holiday season play out, remember to enjoy the time spent with family and friends. The holidays are sometimes one of the only times of the year that the entire family can get together, and it’s one of the best ways for different generations to connect with one another and pass down Christmas traditions. Bonding and engaging with loved ones can be significant and fulfilling for older adults, contributing to overall happiness and well-being.
Happy Holidays From FirstLight Home Care
When it comes to the holidays and the elderly, it shouldn’t have to be a stressful time of the year. If you need help tackling all the things that come with the holiday season, FirstLight can help. Our non-medical home care services can provide support—whether it’s for a few days during the height of the holidays or on a regular basis throughout the new year. Find a location near you today.