The holiday season is here, typically marked by joyous reunions and long-standing family rituals. Yet, for many caregivers and the seniors they support, these months can also amplify the complexities of caregiving.
The winter months’ shorter days and colder weather can affect mood, health, and overall well-being.
We’ve compiled a holiday caregiver guide with caregiver and senior wellness tips to help you and your loved ones navigate this season with warmth, health, and hope.
Senior wellness tips: How to support your loved ones this season
Caring for an aging loved one is a journey filled with love, patience, and, sometimes, a fair share of stress.
To help caregivers and seniors thrive during the holidays and beyond, we’ve compiled practical tips with real-life scenarios and dialogues to make them easy to incorporate into your daily routine.
Prevent social isolation and loneliness
If your loved one has been spending more time alone and seems less interested in activities they once enjoyed, they may be experiencing feelings of isolation.
To help them reconnect, say something like, “I’ve noticed you used to enjoy meeting up with friends. How about we arrange a small gathering or join a local group?”
Suggestions for caregivers:
- Schedule regular phone or video calls with family and friends, especially for those whose hands may struggle with holding or dialing a phone.
- Explore local clubs or groups that match their interests.
- Use community resources to find social programs for seniors in Montgomery County, Maryland.
Promote physical activity
It’s important for seniors to stay physically engaged the best they can. If your parent or spouse has become less active, especially during colder months, they might need motivation.
To support them, you could say, “I’ve heard about a gentle yoga class that’s great for relaxation and balance. Would you like to try it together?”
Suggestions for caregivers:
- Introduce indoor activities like yoga, tai chi, or online fitness classes tailored for seniors.
- Encourage simple exercises like walking inside the house or at a local mall.
- Set achievable goals, such as 15 minutes of daily activity, and celebrate progress together.
Encourage healthy eating
T’is the season to indulge in holiday comfort foods. But if your loved one is skipping meals or choosing less nutritious options such as candy or processed foods frequently, they may need assistance maintaining a healthy diet.
To help them, you might say, “Let’s cook a hearty soup together. I’ll handle the prep work while you share your favorite recipes.”
Suggestions for caregivers:
- Plan weekly grocery trips together, encouraging them to select seasonal fruits and vegetables, which provides a subtle nudge through social interaction to make healthier choices.
- Replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious alternatives like nuts or fresh fruit.
- Modify family recipes to be healthier by reducing salt or sugar.
Schedule regular health check-ups
If it’s been a while since your loved one visited the doctor, or if managing medications is challenging, consider offering to assist with appointments.
You could say, “Let’s schedule a check-up soon. I’d happily drive you there and help you remember questions and information.”
Suggestions for caregivers:
- Create a calendar of upcoming medical appointments.
- Maintain an up-to-date medication list to share with healthcare providers and monitor stock levels to ensure timely reordering before supplies run low.
- Support your loved one in voicing any new symptoms or concerns they might feel hesitant or embarrassed about discussing—their doctor must be aware of all health changes, even if a loved one doesn’t want to discuss them.
Manage seasonal mood changes
It’s not uncommon for seniors to seem less energetic during the winter. They might be experiencing seasonal mood shifts.
Motivate them by suggesting, “Let’s walk during the day to enjoy some sunshine.”
Suggestions for caregivers:
- Open curtains to let in more daylight
- Consider using light therapy lamps
- Encourage uplifting hobbies like painting or familiar, uplifting music
Ensure safety at home
As the holidays approach, consider limiting or altering decorations in the home. Ensure nothing is too bright, flashy, overwhelming, or lying on the floor.
Further enhance safety and reduce fall risk for your senior loved one by suggesting, “Let’s reorganize a few things to make moving around easier and safer for you.”
Suggestions for caregivers:
- Secure the corners of rugs or carpeting
- Improve the lighting throughout the home
Keep the mind active
Keep your loved one’s mind engaged by suggesting, “Would you like to try out a new puzzle or perhaps join a local book club?”
Suggestions for caregivers:
- Activities like crosswords, Wordle, or other brain games
- Creative pursuits such as writing or art
- Baking a simple recipe together
What Is the number one health tip for aging well?
The cornerstone of aging well is staying connected with others.
Maintaining ties with friends, family, and healthcare providers can prevent the loneliness that often leads to depression and cognitive decline.
Being active and eating well is important, but even the healthiest individuals can suffer without social interaction.
Ways to stay connected:
- Participate in Kensington Park’s in-person and virtual events.
- Join The Kensington Club (The K Club), a day program where adults can socialize and engage in various activities. Your loved one can benefit from daily or occasional visits to The K Club, particularly if they usually spend most of their time at home.
- Explore volunteering opportunities at Kensington Park to find fulfillment and community involvement.
Using technology to stay connected
Help your loved one stay in touch with distant family by suggesting, “Let’s set up video calls so you can chat with the grandchildren more often.”
Assist with setting up simple tech solutions for easy communication and virtual engagement.
Wellness and self-care for caregivers
While often filled with joy, the holiday season can also be particularly stressful for caregivers. Remember to care for yourself, too.
To avoid burnout, it’s crucial to prioritize self-care. Set realistic expectations for yourself, and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks or ask for help from friends and family.
Take short breaks throughout the day to rest and recharge, even if it’s just a few minutes to meditate or enjoy a cup of tea. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so take care of yourself to continue caring for your loved one.
- Remind yourself, “I need to recharge to provide the best care possible.”
- Take regular breaks and join caregiver support groups to manage stress.
Check out our virtual and in-person opportunities Kensington Park has to offer for Caregiver Connect and Spousal Support Groups.
Kensington Park: Your trusted partner in senior wellness
At Kensington Park, we know that choosing the right community for your loved one is one of your most important decisions.
As an upscale assisted living, independent living, and memory care community, we’re skilled in dementia and Alzheimer’s care, as well as a broad range of other needs.
Our residents benefit from on-site rehabilitation, all-day dining, and a dedicated nursing team available around the clock.
With a team of compassionate care partners (CNAs), a rich calendar of events, and engaging activities, often centered on wellness and the well-being of caregivers and their loved ones, we provide everything needed to keep your loved one safe, secure, and thriving this holiday season and beyond.
We warmly invite you to experience the Kensington Park difference.
Contact us today to schedule a free tour or speak with our admissions office. Let’s embrace this season together, focusing on health, happiness, and the joy of community.