 | Shanna Parrish-Taylor is the Director of Nursing at Vintage Place Assisted Living. She is a RN with 9 years long term care experience, experience in critical care as well as hospice setting. Shanna is currently working on her master’s degree towards obtaining her ANRP. For more information on Shanna or Vintage Place please call 620-231-4554.
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Senior Living
2011-11-17 16:42:44
Considering the needs of seniors during the holidays
Q: We have my mother, who is in a care facility, come home with us during the holidays while my wife is on vacation from work. We would like to make the time special but find that she is resistant to joining in on the festivities. Can you recommend any ways to help her?
A: First, it is important to remember that while the holidays are a wonderful time for most people, for seniors everything about them can be a reminder of times and people that they miss. This may make them want to isolate, and reluctant to join the family for the celebration.
It is difficult to know what to do but your best bet is to take cues from your mom. If she seems to be encouraged by talking about the holidays when the kids were little, spend time concentrating on those special memories.
For some, recounting the past can cause some pain. In that case, try to involve her in a new tradition.
Another way to encourage her may be to involve her in the planning stages, rather than expect her to manage her feelings with a house full of guests. Ask for her help in decorating, taking care not to have her do anything that would endanger her, such as climbing ladders. Ask for her advice in preparing the meal or any other activity she normally enjoys.
When possible, arrange an outing to visit her friends, go shopping or enjoy any other activity that she prefers.
Finally, remember that noise and commotion can be difficult for seniors to manage and that facet of the holidays alone may make your mom want to isolate. Be sure to have a quiet place ready where kids and other family do not intrude if she chooses to take time out to be alone.
Managing the holidays is hard for everyone, but especially so for those who have lost loved ones. Take time to watch for her cues and she will likely come around to enjoying time with the family during the holiday gatherings.
