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Understanding the Unique Needs of Older Adults During the Holidays

Whether an older person is living with a health condition or not, they will still have unique needs that need to be respected, at Christmas, and all other times. It’s important to make sure they don’t become overwhelmed at a family celebration, especially if they’re living with a condition such as dementia. Listening to what they want, rather than what you think they’d like, should mean everyone is able to get the most out of the festive season and have an enjoyable time together.

A younger woman sits beside an elderly woman in a wheelchair, both looking out of a window. A decorated Christmas tree with presents underneath is nearby, creating a warm festive atmosphere.

Simple Ways to Bring Christmas Cheer into Everyday Care

Bringing Christmas cheer into everyday care may be as simple as playing festive songs or hymns while you’re together or baking Christmas treats. Making someone feel special isn’t always about what you do though; just having the time to sit down, listen to them, and drink a hot chocolate together may be all they’re craving from you.

An elderly woman with grey hair, wearing a purple scarf, smiles and holds a mug while sitting on an armchair, talking to a carer in a cosy, well-lit room.

Creating a Calm, and Accessible Holiday Environment

Having a quiet space for them to sit in if the noise of excited youngsters, loved ones enjoying a drink, or music and tv becomes too much, is essential. Many older people have become used to living a quieter life, especially if their partner has passed, and may not cope so well with lots of noise and activity.

An elderly man with glasses smiles and holds a photo album while sitting on a sofa with a woman. Both are looking at the album and appear to be enjoying a pleasant moment together.

How to Include Seniors in Family Traditions

Making sure that holiday traditions include family of all ages is essential for having a lovely Christmas together. There are many ways that seniors can be prioritised, such as:

  1. Bringing the Celebration to Them

    If your loved one isn’t able to join the family, why not ask if they’d like you all to visit them on the big day? It’s important to really listen to what they’d prefer though as the thought of everyone descending on them at once may be overwhelming. Staggered visits may work best so that they have company for longer, and this also reduces the risk of loneliness.

  2. Incorporating Virtual Gatherings

    If you’re living far away from the seniors in your family you can still include them by making use of technology. If they are tech-savvy, then they could share video calls with you and still feel like part of the celebrations. If they aren’t comfortable with technology though there may be local organisations who can help them, such as Age UK or a local techno café.

  3. Attending Community Events Together

    There are always many community events happening in the run-up to Christmas, so if it’s what you’d both enjoy, why not go together? Looking on Facebook or on local community noticeboards should offer details about fetes, concerts, carol singing and even pantomimes that all the family can enjoy. If you live in a city then there may be a travelling Christmas market you can all visit together.

  4. Personalising Their Living Space

    Before beginning to put up Christmas decorations in a loved one’s home, check it’s actually what they want. If they’ve recently lost a partner then it may be too raw for them to celebrate that year so always respect their wishes. If they would like decorations it’s always best to err on the side of ‘less is more’, and if they’re living with dementia decorate gradually so it’s not a shock all at once.

A smiling healthcare worker in a purple uniform sits beside an elderly woman, who is also smiling, as they share a moment together at a table with a meal.

Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Seniors of All Abilities

Sometimes, the best gift you can give to a senior is your time. Rather than a wrapped gift they might be happy just to see you and have a chance to chat over a cup of tea and a mince pie. But if you’re able to do both, there are some gifts that may be appreciated.

Brain games that give them stimulation are often a good idea, as being a muscle, the brain is very much ‘use it or lose it’.

Something warming may also be appreciated, such as a fleece blanket or a well-lined pair of slippers.

Food gifts may go down well too, and hampers that contain an assortment of fayre could be well-received.

A person reaches for a cupcake on a tiered stand with cupcakes, scones topped with jam and cream, and sandwiches. Two other people sit nearby at a table laid for tea.

Home Care Support with Helping Hands this Winter

Helping Hands are recognised across England and Wales for being the UK’s premiere private home care company. We support thousands of people to live as well as possible and maintain their independence in the home they love,

We help people to make the most of the holiday season, visiting people on Christmas Day, just like any other day. We can also offer temporary support if your family are going away for the festivities. Because we offer care on both a visiting and live-in basis, we can provide comprehensive support, around the clock if necessary.

Talk to us today about your loved ones’ needs so we can help to ensure a Christmas that suits everyone.

A woman in a light purple uniform smiles whilst washing up at a kitchen sink, holding a white plate. She wears glasses, a watch, and an ID lanyard. The kitchen is bright and tidy.