Ellen always loved the holidays. She spent hours in the kitchen baking cookies and preparing elaborate meals for the family. Her house was always decorated like a picture out of a magazine. And, every year, Ellen and her daughters took an annual shopping trip. But, when Ellen suffered a debilitating stroke that left her in a wheelchair, staying involved during the holidays became difficult. For many seniors, growing older can mean having to give up some holiday traditions, but it doesn’t have to. Instead of giving up traditions, family caregivers can help older adults to modify them or create new ones. Below are some ways that you can help your aging parent to stay involved with the holiday fun.
Shopping for Gifts
Maybe your mom isn’t up to trekking through the mall to purchase gifts for everyone on her list. Or, maybe she still enjoys shopping, but doesn’t get around as well as she used to. You have a couple of options here. You could turn to online shopping. Spend some time with your mom helping her browse online stores and picking just the right gifts. A home care provider who is with your mom during the day can accept the packages at the door for her. Another option is for your mom to go on short shopping outings. A home care provider could take your mom to the mall during daytime hours when stores might be less crowded.
Decorating Party
If your mom can’t put up the decorations herself, have a decorating party with family and friends. Make some easy snacks and let your mom direct the guests in putting her decorations just where she likes them. A decorating party can be a great way to kick off the holiday season and it keeps your mom’s house looking festive.
Baking and Cooking
There’s no need to give up favorite holiday cookies and dishes. Instead, a home care provider or family caregiver could cook with your mom. Let your mom do whatever parts of the task she can. Cooking with your mom can be a great way for her to pass her recipes on to the next generation.
Wrapping Gifts
Wrapping gifts can be difficult for older hands that may be affected by arthritis or not as agile as they once were. Once all the shopping is done, put on a holiday movie or some music and help mom with wrapping. Your mom can choose which papers and ribbons to use for each present. She can also hold paper down while you apply the tape. Of course, she won’t want you to wrap your own gift, but her home care provider can step in to assist with that!
If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Jupiter Island, FL, contact the caring staff at BrightStar Care of Jupiter. Call today (561) 741-1200.