While the holidays are celebrated as a happy time, they can be hard for many people. This is true for those who have lost a family member, including many seniors.  When you combine the feelings of loss with isolation, the holidays become a prime time for sadness and depression in seniors.

Keep that in mind this holiday season. Even with the limitations imposed by COVID-19, make adjustments in order to include the senior in your life in various activities and virtual gatherings. Here are a few ideas:

  • Include seniors in your holiday events. Send out the link and help your grandparent or neighbor navigate the technology so they can attend. Don’t leave anything out. There isn’t a performance too frivolous to invite them to.
  • Send homemade decorations. Adorn their home or room with pictures and drawings or paintings. If you have a special memory together, print the image and put it in a frame. Show that you remember and treasure the senior in your life.
  • Watch holiday movies together. This can be done virtually. You can choose a specific night to watch your favorite movie or a new holiday movie that you both try out. Then call and discuss it. Call in the middle of the show and talk about your favorite character and what you think might happen.
  • Pick up the phone and visit often.

The most important gift you can give during the holidays is your time. This year is tricky, given the pandemic. Find any ways that you can visit while social distancing and wearing masks. Then add in all the things that can be done together virtually. You can bake your favorite treat together over Zoom. You can have a holiday sing-along through the computer.

More than anything, make sure that your special senior is engaged and attended to during the holidays. Then keep it up in the year ahead.

Our purpose at Senior Safe and Sound is to spread awareness surrounding elder abuse or neglect. We want to arm you with the knowledge to keep yourself or the senior in your life safe. For more resources or if you have any questions, you can email at info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551.

This information is intended to inform the public at large about this important issue. It is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice.