Five Ways to Connect with Seniors During the Holidays

Activities for Seniors  |  November 19, 2021

What Everyone in Vancouver, BC Needs to Know About Connecting with Seniors Over the Holidays

Connect with Seniors this Christmas | It’s more crucial than ever to keep in touch with senior loved ones in a safe, mindful way this year, when in-person visits and holiday dinners may not be possible. Families should develop meaningful ways to ensure that older persons are physically and psychologically healthy during the holiday season. Connection is crucial throughout the holiday season, not just on the major days.

Senior isolation and loneliness, particularly during quarantine and stay-at-home orders, can contribute to depression. A grin and a greeting in whatever shape or form can improve someone’s day without taking much time or effort. With so many seasonal activities on hold, many people may need to discover new methods to stay in touch.

When you can’t be together in person, there are a few ways to connect with people, from parents, grandparents, and elderly neighbors to friends and family in other towns and provinces.

Five Ways to Connect with Seniors During the Holidays

Phone calls: Don’t undervalue the delight that a daily or weekly phone call can provide to elders and their caregivers. A phone is readily available to the majority of elders. Make a phone or send an email when you’re sure they’ll be available. Spend time over the holidays discussing past celebrations, family news, and everyone’s well-being. Make jokes, sing Christmas music, and remember to laugh together.

Video calls: A video call can be made through a variety of apps and websites. Although many seniors are aware of this technology, some are not. For older folks who aren’t sure where to begin, have a family member assist them in setting up a video call. Also, if a senior doesn’t have access to a video system, relatives can consider giving them a tablet or smartphone. Make the first move and call them first, even if they are already familiar with the technology. Be considerate of time and space when making spontaneous video calls. Find methods to make it unique, such as decorating your background, sending tiny items to your senior loved ones to adorn theirs, using holiday frames, or taking the time to sing or read stories together.

Recorded video messages: Using recorded video messages is another option to spread holiday cheer via video. Make a short film with family and friends and send it to an elderly relative. Some programs make recording and editing videos simple and quick, and for many seniors, being able to view loved ones at any time is a wonderful gift.

Letters and postcards: There’s nothing quite like receiving a pleasant surprise in the mail. To give a personal update, favorite memory, or anecdote, pen to paper with a handwritten message or write and print a lengthy letter. Add a few printed photos to the envelope as a nice bonus. Also, remember to contact elderly family members early and often during the holidays. Create a pen buddy exchange or send frequent messages including treasured holiday experiences.

Visit a senior safely: While it is not recommended that seniors attend in-person events outside of their homes over the holidays, there are a variety of inventive methods to show older people affection. Leave a chalk message on their sidewalk, stand outside with placards and banners, organize a family drive-through holiday parade for a senior, or sing carols.

Comfort Keepers® is the Best Senior Home Care Provider in Vancouver, BC

When it comes to arranging senior home care services for a loved one in or around Vancouver, Comfort Keepers is the preferred choice for many families. If you are concerned about the health and well-being of your aging loved ones we can help with Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care, End of Life Care, Respite Care, and much more! 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver Can Help with Interactive Caregiving™

Comfort Keepers®’s trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

Our philosophy is to elevate the human spirit and our caregivers will be there every step of the way to ensure your loved one has a better quality of life. Personal and empathetic care is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our client’s exact needs. Learn more about our unique service which offers personal care, companionship care, palliative care, and end-of-life care by contacting the Comfort Keepers Vancouver office.

Comfort Keepers® Brings You The Best Home Care Assistance Right Where You Live.

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver is proud to provide home care throughout Vancouver that keeps seniors safe in their homes. We provide home care for the seniors of Vancouver and the surrounding areas of Burnaby, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Richmond please call (604) 689-8609. 

Comfort Keepers® Vancouver has been accredited with Exemplary Standing with Accreditation Canada. Accreditation is an intensive process in which industry experts examine an organization’s processes, policies, and procedures against a set of quality standards. To achieve accredited status, Comfort Keepers offices met or exceeded the rigorous standards for Home Care companies, as defined by Accreditation Canada.

Share This Post: