Connect With Your Senior Loved Ones
|
|
At the holidays and all year long, spending time with loved ones is important. In-person or remote, your time with them is always beneficial and welcome.
Always listen carefully
Communication and active listening are crucial during all get-togethers. It's a time to listen extra carefully and determine if your loved ones are in need of additional assistance or home care. Keep the conversation lively. If communication stalls, try creative conversation starters. Hearing a loved one’s personal stories can feel like opening a treasured gift, and they will feel appreciated simply because you listened.
Postmark your love
Postal mail was the way seniors learned to communicate over distances, not by email. Written correspondence from family, especially the young ones, can be a treasure. You can set up a time to visit or plan one virtually to open this mail together and read the messages to each other. This makes it extra special and the notes can be enjoyed again and again. Writing replies together can also be fun as well as a way to help you assess the cognitive abilities of your loved one.
Cook up connections
Ask your parents or grandparents about their favorite seasonal recipes, then plan to cook them together or set up a Zoom or FaceTime call. Get the kids in the kitchen, too. If this activity isn't practical due to restrictions or abilities, deliver your delicious home-cooked meal right to their doorstep! Include cards or drawings from the grandkids to make it extra special and fun. The whole family can still enjoy the same meal you’re having via Zoom or FaceTime.
Caring with song and music
Tap into happy family memories by gathering to sing family favorite songs together. Whether in-person or virtual, this is a great time to tell family stories, laugh, and enjoy each other's company.
Decorate for any season
For many families, decorating for a holiday is a fun tradition. And there is always an upcoming holiday theme to provide inspiration. Reach out to discuss planning a crafting session to make seasonal favorites. If you can't be together, send the craft supplies to your loved ones directly from online retailers or drop them off ahead of time.
Communication and active listening are crucial during all get-togethers. It's a time to listen extra carefully and determine if your loved ones are in need of additional assistance or home care. Keep the conversation lively. If communication stalls, try creative conversation starters. Hearing a loved one’s personal stories can feel like opening a treasured gift, and they will feel appreciated simply because you listened.
Postmark your love
Postal mail was the way seniors learned to communicate over distances, not by email. Written correspondence from family, especially the young ones, can be a treasure. You can set up a time to visit or plan one virtually to open this mail together and read the messages to each other. This makes it extra special and the notes can be enjoyed again and again. Writing replies together can also be fun as well as a way to help you assess the cognitive abilities of your loved one.
Cook up connections
Ask your parents or grandparents about their favorite seasonal recipes, then plan to cook them together or set up a Zoom or FaceTime call. Get the kids in the kitchen, too. If this activity isn't practical due to restrictions or abilities, deliver your delicious home-cooked meal right to their doorstep! Include cards or drawings from the grandkids to make it extra special and fun. The whole family can still enjoy the same meal you’re having via Zoom or FaceTime.
Caring with song and music
Tap into happy family memories by gathering to sing family favorite songs together. Whether in-person or virtual, this is a great time to tell family stories, laugh, and enjoy each other's company.
Decorate for any season
For many families, decorating for a holiday is a fun tradition. And there is always an upcoming holiday theme to provide inspiration. Reach out to discuss planning a crafting session to make seasonal favorites. If you can't be together, send the craft supplies to your loved ones directly from online retailers or drop them off ahead of time.
