Whether your loved one lives at home or in a care facility, there are chances that the lack of activity that seniors experience is impacting their mental health. They may not show it, but it is possible that they are feeling bored, lonely, or sad this holiday season as they are less inclined to go outdoors, go on walks, and meet up with family.
The pandemic left a mark on all of us in different ways, and seniors may be feeling isolated after 2 years of being cautious and careful all this time. This holiday season, you can show them you love them in a couple of ways.
Decorate around the house
Some fresh surroundings can bring forth a clear mindset. Rearrange their surroundings if they live at home. If they live at a nursing home, bring them some fresh flowers or a teddy bear to add something special to the room. Seeing this will remind them of you and remind them they are appreciated.
If you can, spend some time decorating around with festive decorations. Grab some streamers and tape from your local dollar store, and make a day of decorating and holiday fun. Engaging in decorating or conversation as you are with them will boost their mood.
Make holiday cards
A perfect holiday festivity is making some holiday greeting cards. Print out a photograph of you and your senior, or the whole family, and paste it onto paper. As you add stickers, messages, and drawings, sip some hot chocolate and listen to some holiday songs. If they need help writing the message, you can ask them what they’d like to say and write it for them.
Once finished, you can even send them to close family members or friends! This will help them feel more connected socially, which can become difficult with age.
Focus on their hobby
If you know what their favourite pastime activities are, you can do them together to spend time with them. If they don’t have a favourite hobby, you can try one of the following, which are simple and you can do one form of these with them.
- Baking
- Chess
- Jigsaw Puzzles
- Reading
- Bird Watching
- Playing an Instrument
- Arts and Crafts
- Movies
We wish you a wonderful holiday filled with love and times with your loved senior.
