You may associate Valentine's Day with young love - after all, most films and books are full of stories about young couples finding their happily ever after. However, there's a whole lot to be said for spending Valentine's Day with seniors! A day spent with your grandparents or elderly friends can do wonders for both the heart and soul. It's important to involve seniors in the celebration and show them that they are still important and loved. Here are a few ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day with the seniors in your life.
Plan a Party
A festive Valentine's Day party is a great way to get seniors out of the house and socializing. Have a party in your home or at their home. You can decorate with pink and red balloons, streamers, and signs that say "Happy Valentine’s Day!" Serve light refreshments such as finger foods, desserts, and tea or coffee. After eating, have everyone play bingo or a trivia game. You could even have a small card or gift exchange in which you present your loved ones with something thoughtful.
Send Cards or Gifts
If you can't be with your loved one in person, sending a card or gift is a great way to show them how much you care. Order engraved jewelry, chocolates, flowers, or plants from online shops and have them delivered directly to the senior's home. You could also pick something up and deliver it in-person If you live too far away or cannot make it for another reason, make your loved one a handmade card with heartfelt messages. Use fun supplies like stickers, markers, and glitter to make your card extra special.
Go on an Outing
Spending time with seniors is a great way to show them how much you care. Ask the senior if they would like to go out for lunch or dinner at their favorite restaurant. You could also take them for a walk in the park or to a museum. It's important to remember that seniors may not be able to travel far, so plan an outing that is close by. Don't worry about making the outing grand or elaborate - just the simple act of spending time together is enough to show your loved one how much you care. No matter what activity you choose, make sure that it's something they will enjoy. Valuing and including seniors in celebrations like Valentine's Day can help foster feelings of love and belonging.
Make a Treat Together
Making something sweet is a great way to spend quality time with your senior loved one. Bake cookies, cakes, or brownies together. This can be a fun process as you get to mix ingredients and shape the treats into festive shapes. You could even use an old family recipe to create something in the theme of Valentine's Day. If your loved one resides in an assisted living facility, be sure to ask about their policies on baking treats in the kitchen. If you cannot bake together, you can always make the treat at home and bring it to share with your loved one.
Have a Movie Night
There are plenty of romantic movies that you can watch together. Put on a movie like Casablanca or The Notebook for the perfect Valentine's Day with your loved one. They may enjoy movies from when they were young, such as Breakfast at Tiffany's or Roman Holiday. You can even pick out a movie from your loved one's favorite actor or actress and make it into a movie night for two. The addition of themed snacks and refreshments will make it feel even more like a special event.
Contact BrightStar Care Today
Valentine's Day is a great opportunity to show the seniors in your life how much you care. With thoughtful planning, you can create meaningful memories that are sure to put a smile on their face. Our caregivers at BrightStar Care® know how important it is to show seniors how much they are loved and can help you plan the perfect Valentine's Day celebration. Contact us today to learn more about our services!
Sources:
https://www.wel.org/5-ways-to-spend-valentines-day-with-the-seniors-in-your-life/
https://blog.bayada.com/be-healthy/valentines-day-for-seniors-celebrate-love-at-any-age-or-stage