Helping the Seniors You Care for Enjoy Their Holiday Season

The holidays can be hard for anyone who doesn’t live near family, especially seniors who are so vulnerable to depression. But with some planning and tweaking of holiday traditions, your clients can feel loved and included during this special time of the year. Listed below are 5 ideas you can incorporate into your home care business, making the holidays more fun and enjoyable for your clients.

1.  Gifts – These don’t have to be expensive or elaborate, but could mean the world to them, especially if that’s the only gift they receive all year. These gifts could be as simple as purchasing a gift card to a local grocery store, giving a “coupon” redeemable for running errands a few times a year, a note offering yourself as a helper to come do chores or tasks around the house, a magazine subscription, a new book, or even a fruit basket. Gifts can be a simple way to let your clients know that they are loved and appreciated
2. Social/Party – A great way to bring the elderly happiness is to help them make new friends. By hosting a get together for all of your clients, they can socialize and build relationships, giving them people to reach out to during the holidays. You could also have a white elephant gift exchange, play music from the era they grew up in, and encourage the elderly to teach your employees how to swing dance. A party can give the seniors something to look forward to, and a reason to dress up and feel good about themselves.
3. Cards Signed by Staff – Cards are an inexpensive but great way to let someone know you wish them well. You could buy them in bulk, write an inscription inside, have it signed by the whole office staff and sent to your clients. Try to make each one personal and not business like, sounding empathetic and compassionate. One way to accomplish this is by using an office meeting once a month through the holidays (and perhaps every month, to account for birthdays etc.) to have your staff make personal inscriptions and sign each card. Cards are an easy way to wish your clients happy holidays, and it can make them feel special and adored.
4. Reach Out to Family – One way to make an elderly person happy during the holidays is by having them see or hear from their family and friends. Try calling the loved ones of your client and enquire if they’d be visiting during the holidays. Find appropriate ways to remind family members that your client is alone and could possibly use a little extra attention. For those clients whose families won’t be coming, try to set up a video chat or have them send a special note or gift.
5. Activities – This is an easy way to get an elderly patient’s mind off loneliness. Keep them busy making gingerbread houses, arranging flowers, cooking holiday treats for their neighbors, or read them their favorite Christmas story.

The holidays are a time for family and friends to come together and serve each other. It’s a time to be thankful for what you have and to be selfless in giving. Many patients who need home care assistance don’t have any loved ones close by to help with day-to-day activities, which can lead to a lonely life. But if you use this special time of year to reach out to your clients and tell them you’re thinking about them, that can make a big difference.