Adapting Family Traditions For An Aging Loved One in Montgomery County This Holiday Season

As your loved ones age, it can be a challenge to honor certain traditions around the holidays
 
Older adults may not have the energy or physical ability any longer to host or attend a large family event. And if they do feel up to it, many seniors are on a fixed budget, and the additional cost of the holiday meal can strain their finances.
 
Some aging adults are perfectly comfortable stating what they want or need help with around the holidays. But many don’t want to cause a stir or disappoint their families, so they say nothing, only to suffer in the long run. This holiday season, you can enjoy holiday traditions and take some of the burden off your loved one with an honest discussion and a little creativity.

Honoring Roles and Traditions
It’s important to honor your loved one’s role in the family during the holidays. If your loved one is experiencing signs of dementia, he or she might not be able to remember short-term memories or skills but likely can recall and share holiday stories from their childhood.
 
In the hustle and bustle of holiday planning and celebrations, remember to include your aging loved ones in traditional family games and activities. It’s important to show them their role is still important, even if it has to change a little. For example, if your loved one always has read a holiday story to the family but their eyesight is failing, you could modify the tradition so the little ones could sit on Grandma or Grandpa’s lap and read the story to them instead.
 
Hosting Family Meals and Events
In many families, the matriarch or patriarch historically hosts the holiday gathering. But as you likely are well aware, hosting is a lot of work, and it can be exhausting for anyone. Talk to your loved one to gauge their feelings about having another relative host this year. Or, if possible, offer to hold the event at your house, and invite your loved one to bring a dish to share or come over early to help prepare the meal.
 
Changing Diets or Food-Related Health Concerns
If your aging loved one has diabetes, high blood pressure, or another health concern, holiday food and beverage choices can be a touchy conversation. But with a few exceptions and some planning, it’s usually safe for most people to indulge a bit for one day.
 
As we age, our health needs and abilities change. It’s natural that traditions also have to evolve, but sometimes it can be tough to accept that things aren't like they used to be. Different doesn’t have to mean bad. Talk to your loved one and find a happy middle ground so you can enjoy a memorable and fun holiday together.
 
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Source: https://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/family-tradition-holidays
 
BrightStar Care of Montgomery County support Family Caregivers by providing a full continuum of home care services comprised of companionship, personal care, dementia care, transportation, medication assistance, skilled nursing and more to improve clients’ health and quality of life.  

We recognizes and honor the 16 million family members and friends who provide an estimated 18.4 billion hours of unpaid care to family members in need!  
 
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