Spending Time with Seniors During the Holiday Season
It is usually this time of year, whether it’s the holiday season or the snow emergency season here in Minnesota, that we think of our senior loved ones most often. We worry about their safety and well-being. We think back to fond memories and consider ways to let them know how special they are. For seniors, this can be a lonely time of year as the thrill of the holidays come to an end and travel conditions become risky. Most elderly people enjoy the gift of time and even a 30-minute visit can greatly improve their emotional and social well-being.

Here are some activities to consider when planning a visit to an adult in their home or a long-term care facility.

1. Create a scrapbook or special memory album. This is especially useful for adults with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia as it helps to stimulate their minds and keep track of family events.
2. Bring some recent family photos to enjoy and leave there. They make for interesting conversation when your loved one has visitors to their home or independent living apartment.
3. Take a few minutes beforehand to write down some of your favorite holiday memories to reminisce with your loved one.
4. Go techno! Load your Ipod or Ipad with some fun holiday songs or your favorite YouTube videos to listen or you can watch together.
5. Bring a deck of cards or a fun game to play. Keep a running tally of who wins each time you visit.
6. Check their room(s) for burned out light bulbs, clutter, or ask if they need assistance with something. Sometimes not being able to reach an item or retrieve objects that have fallen under a table is a simple fix.
7. Give their wheelchair or walker a special clean up! Make sure it’s wiped down and well taken care of.
8. Take a walk! Get out and go touring. If possible, go outside. Many retirement homes have walking paths around the grounds such as the Family Courtyard and Healing Gardens at Saint Therese of New Hope.
9. Escort them to a special activity that is close by their home or within their senior housing complex, such as a movie or program. Check the activity calendar at their assisted living center or skilled nursing facility. The ones at Saint Therese are always full!
10. If you are looking to bring a gift to your visit, try some nice grooming items that would be a treat. Perfume, makeup, aftershave, fun lotions, etc. In Minnesota, soft, warm socks are a must! Ask if they would like you to apply the items while you are there to spruce themselves up a bit!

Depending on whether they’re in a two-bedroom independent apartment, assisted living suite, or a nursing care room, your loved one probably has limited space and more treasures than they have room to hold. Even gifts of food can sometimes be difficult for seniors with dietary restrictions.

If you bring small children along to visit, only stay as long as the child can handle. Warn them ahead of time if the senior you’re visiting has breakables or medical equipment that shouldn't be touched. Also try to steer the conversation towards events the child would like to share and that your loved one might find interesting such as an “A” on a school project or “big win” at a sporting event.

For visits that include more than just a few people, request a special room or find a restaurant with a quiet area. All of this will help to alleviate the stress that can come along with visiting a senior who looks forward to simply spending time with you and your family.

Taking a moment for thought and care will show your elderly loved one that they are special and remembered all year long.