Guest post by Maria Ramos
While generally a time of cheer and celebration, the
holidays pose their own set of challenges for seniors and those living with
disabilities. The
holidays are a time for family and friends, and generally everybody wants
to get together for meals and holiday festivities. As a person ages, though,
they may lose the ability to participate in beloved traditions like decorating
a Christmas tree. Just because things are changing, doesn’t mean new traditions
and memories can’t be made! Celebrating the holidays can be difficult when you
have a loved one with a disability but there are some creative solutions to
celebrating with your elders safely.
A playlist of holiday music
Everybody has favorite Christmas tunes, and elders are no
exception. They are sure to enjoy a CD compilation of their favorite carols or
songs. While tracking down the desired music may take some time, nothing will
beat the smile on your loved ones face when the music makes their day. Tracking
down and compiling videos of beloved performances from family members can also
please an aging music lover.
Decorations from the kids in your family
Unfortunately, a full-blown Christmas tree may no longer be
a realistic option, especially if they’re in an assisted living community, they
may simply not have room for a tree. On the other hand, they will have room for
handmade crafts from the kids in the family. These can range from garlands made
out of green or red construction paper or pictures made with macaroni to
figurines made out of pinecones. Some of the most cherished “masterpieces” are
simply those made with love, some might even consider making it a group
activity when all gathered together.
Festive items around the house
There are many alternatives to a Christmas tree that can
brighten a small place and make it feel festive for the holidays. Poinsettias
and amaryllis are brightly-colored plants that can be placed on any table, and
a wreath or jingle bells can be hung on a door. Nutcrackers and other figurines
can also make a senior’s home look more holiday-ready. Better yet, if your
loved one has always loved having a tree of their own, they might be happy with
a table-top version. Table-top trees are usually about two feet tall and are
small enough to be handled and packed away easily.
Make a family recipe
Many seniors have their own ideas on how to contribute to
holiday celebrations, but a senior who still loves
to cook or bake can probably be coaxed into making their favorite holiday
dish or treat. It can be anything from frosting a cake to mince pie to sweet
potato mousse. Of course, this is also a great way to get seniors involved even
if they are the gourmet chef they once were - sharing simple tasks like
decorating cookies, mixing, or taste testing are always good starting points.
Look through family albums
One entertainment many seniors can provide themselves is
stories about the "good old days." Bringing a photo album full of
pictures may jog their memory and inspire them to tell some new stories. The
family can even play a game in which they try to guess what is happening in a
given photo, and the senior can then tell them the real story behind the
picture. Similarly, family members can finally hear the real story behind a
given family heirloom.
There are many ways to include a senior, even one with
disabilities in the holiday festivities. Families need to consider the senior's
needs, situation and desires when planning a celebration, but most importantly
keep their health and safety in mind. Medical monitoring
systems for the home can help with an accidental fall and monitor an
older person’s whereabouts, and home
automation setups can ensure lights and appliances are turned off from
afar. With your peace of mind in tact, nothing is better than being and
celebrating together, and by keeping these activities in mind you’re sure to
brighten the holidays for the entire family.
Maria is a freelance writer currently living in Chicago. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a minor in Communication. She blogs about environmentally friendly tips, technological advancements, and healthy active lifestyles.
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