Senior Spotlight: Celebrating This Season

May your holidays include food & fun for everyone!

No matter what holidays you choose to celebrate, observe or honor – the time frame from now until the end of the year is ripe with opportunity for togetherness. As many families are now (finally!) able to gather again, we wanted to share a few tips on how to ensure this time of year is smooth for everyone – including seniors!

We have compiled a few tips below from Family Tree In-Home Care, Seniors Matter & Institute On Aging. We encourage you to visit these resources to get even more guidance!

#1: Remember Routines. Those with dementia or memory-related challenges may become more easily stressed by the changes in routine that holidays can cause. Consider planning around their usual patterns, writing a visual schedule to follow and ensuring medication schedules are followed.

#2: Include Down Time. All-day eat-a-thons can be overwhelming despite being fulfilling (pun intended!). Ensure that seniors have a quiet place to step away if they need, and consider down time for everyone such as gratitude journals or naps before pie.

#3: Let Everyone Help. Some of the best memories many people have of the holidays isn’t just being there – but being a part of the preparation. Cooking is a great multi-generational activity and both children and older adults often love being part of the action. Calling all mashed potato mixers, pie taste-tester and dinner table-setters… and more!

#4: Say What You Are Thankful For. It’s easy to get so wrapped up in the day that we don’t actively acknowledge the spirit of it. Be specific, be present and get ready to be amazed at all that those around you are thankful for. It’s SO good to hear!

#5: Spread Cheer. Don’t forget to bring a home-cooked meal for the homebound seniors in lives! Not everyone has local loved ones to celebrate with or the ability to leave their home, and being thought of with smiles and seasonal treats could be a holiday-changer for the better!

If you have any favorite Thanksgiving Day (or any holiday!) traditions – we would LOVE to hear them: Bobbi@bobbidecker.com.

Bobbi Decker
DRE#00607999

Broker Associate
650.346.5352 cell
650.577.3127 efax
www.bobbidecker.com
NAR Instructor….“Designations Create Distinctions”
CIPS, SRS, ABR, CRS, SRES, GRI, CLHMS, REI, AHWD, RSPS, MSLG

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