Seniors For Living

This may be the first year your mom, grandfather, spouse, or other beloved senior relative is in assisted living rather than your home — or theirs — for the holidays. Maybe you have home care or hospice services coming in to keep your parents comfortable though their health is declining. Perhaps you’ll be visiting dad in the hospital this Christmas, or the empty chair at the table sharpens the pain of a recent loss when the family comes together.

In the midst of these challenges…

• Choose to embrace the joy of being together.
• Don’t let a change in location, be it temporary or long-term, diminish the joy of the season for you and yours.
• Start a new tradition, or adjust an old one.
• If you’re used to having a big celebration, scale it down just for this year. Keep things simple so you can focus on the time together, instead of worrying about getting it all done.
• Don’t pass on traveling to see a loved one who lives far away, or skip a visit to the Alzheimer’s care community your loved one now calls home — no matter how hard it may be to see them in these circumstances.
• Wherever you gather, remember the seniors and caregivers in your family or community, and show them extra kindness and compassion during what can be a difficult season.

Wishing all of you a bright and blessed holiday season from all of us at SeniorsforLiving.com!