Decorating is a favorite aspect of the holidays for many families. This is a time to make the home festive and filled with cheer, express yourself, and reminisce with family traditions. For an elderly adult, however, decorating may not be as safe, simple, and accessible as it once was. Your parent might not have the mobility to handle decorations the way that they once did.
They might not be able to get out to turn on lights or inflatables. They might have downsized into a smaller living environment that makes some of their decorations impractical. This, however, does not have to mean that they are not able to enjoy a festive environment for the holiday season. Decorating their home and keeping it filled with holiday spirit boosts your parent’s mood, encourages better mental and emotional health, stimulates their mind and their memories, and encourages more involvement in the holidays.
Some ideas for simple and accessible ways to make your parent’s home more festive for the holidays include:
-Rather than having lights that require your parent to go outside and plug them in each night and unplug them when it’s time to turn them off, look for timers that allow your parent to plug them in once and then have them turn on and off on a specific schedule throughout the season.
-Forgo the large tree this year and instead choose a small tabletop tree that your parent can put on display in a small location. Decorate it with the most meaningful ornaments or go for unbreakable options that are safer for your senior.
-If there is not space for a tree at all, or you worry about decorations and lights, consider having your children draw a tree on a large piece of paper or an artist’s roll and put that on the wall. Not only will it add a festive, traditional appearance, but it will be especially meaningful because it came from your children.
-Do not underestimate the power of scent. Use plug-in air fresheners and potpourri or solid air fresheners to bring festive scents such as pine, cinnamon, or peppermint into the home.
-Consider giving your parent an early Christmas gift of a music player loaded with Christmas music so that they can have delightful sounds throughout their home all season.
How can home care services help?
Whether you have just gotten started caring for your aging parent or have been their family caregiver for years, elderly care can be an exceptional supplement to their care routine. The highly personalized services of an elderly care provider can ensure that your parent gets the care, support, companionship, and assistance needed to help them to manage their challenges and limitations, and pursue a lifestyle that is as active, engaged, and independent as possible as they age in place.
These services can include safe and reliable transportation, physical support to manage mobility challenges, respectful and dignified assistance with personal care needs and activities of daily living such as bathing and eating, help with meal preparation, and more. Knowing that your parent has this care available will give you tremendous peace of mind, ease your stress, and help you to focus on your relationship with your parent and the other aspects of your life.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering home care services in San Mateo, CA, call the caring staff at Aviva In-Home Care. Call today: (415) 795-2203
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