The holidays are a great time for seniors to bond with their children, grandchildren, friends, and other family members. They can share stories, create new memories, and participate in a variety of Christmas activities. Take a look at some of the benefits of spending time with an aging parent on Christmas.
1. Lower the Risk of Depression
Christmas can be depressing for older adults who have no one to share the good times with. Instead of creating new memories, seniors often focus on the people and things they’ve lost over the years. Although it’s good for aging adults to reminisce and honor loved ones who have passed away, this shouldn’t be the basis of their Christmas holiday. Visit your parent during the holiday to keep him or her in good spirits. Spending quality time with family members and friends could boost your loved one’s mood, prevent boredom, and lower the risk of depression.
Spending time with their family members is not the only way older adults can boost their wellbeing. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of Lakewood home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping.
2. Promote Physical Activity
While visiting your loved one during the Christmas holiday, encourage him or her to move around and decorate the home. Help your parent put up a Christmas tree, hang wreaths on the doors and windows, or place garland and other holiday decorations throughout the house. Staying physically active can boost overall health, reduce the risk of heart disease, strengthen cognitive skills, and allow your parent to stay independent for longer.
Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Home Care Assistance, a trusted provider of respite care Lakewood seniors can depend on.
3. Enhance Memory
Sharing Christmas stories of the past, working on arts and crafts, watching holiday movies, listening to carols, and being surrounded by friends and family members can boost a senior’s short and long-term memory. Socialization is one of the key factors for keeping the brain healthy and functioning normally.
4. Check on Health
Some family caregivers live far away and are unable to visit their loved ones as often as they would like. However, Christmas is generally a holiday when people take time away to spend with their loved ones. While visiting your parent during the holidays, evaluate his or her emotional and physical health and compare notes to see if anything has changed since your last visit. You can then determine if you need to make any adjustments to the type of care your loved one is receiving.
5. Show You Care
It may not seem like a big deal, but visiting your loved one could let him or her know how much you love and appreciate him or her. Instead of spending Christmas alone, your parent will be showered with gifts, love, and affection. In-person visits remind seniors that their family members and friends care about their overall wellbeing. If you have the time, plan a holiday dinner and invite others over to eat, give gifts, and play games. Showing your love and appreciation can boost your parent’s confidence and prevent doubt, fear, and other negative emotions.
Christmas is the perfect time to assess your parent’s wellbeing. If you notice your loved one’s health is decreasing, it may be time to consider professional in-home care. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional senior home care. Lakewood, Colorado, Home Care Assistance is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. To schedule a free in-home consultation, give us a call at (303) 987-5992 today.