Successful Holidays with Aging Loved Ones

The holiday season is one filled with family and friends gathering to share food, fun and festivities. Preparing to spend the holidays with aging loved ones can be a challenge and Crittenton Home Care wants to be your source of information and support to help ease holiday stress. Below we offer a few tips our caregiver support team has put together for a safe and happy holiday season.

• Traveling? If you are a caregiver, plan to have someone check-in on aging loved ones while you are away. Seniors need more assistance during winter months when it is more difficult to move around outdoors. With another blistery winter ahead of us, making sure loved ones are safe inside their home or place of residence will go along way with helping you enjoy the season.

• Watch for signs that a loved one’s health or memory is declining. Print a list of warning signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s and share it with family while you are gathered during the holidays. From mismatch clothing to clutter in the home or missed medications, there are many little signs to watch for while you are together with your loved one. As you gather with extended family to celebrate, it is also a great time to talk about a care-plan for parents or grandparents. We are happy to be a part of the conversation to assess needs and create a plan.

• Be aware of dietary needs and restrictions. The holidays are filled with sweets, goodies and high-calorie meals. Find out if your loved ones need diabetic or low sodium options when preparing your holiday menu. Diabetes.org has many recipes for holiday favorites with substitution that will help those with diabetes enjoy safely. You can also find some recipes on Oakland Macomb Senior Wellness Facebook page during the holiday season.

• Care for seniors in your community. The holidays can be a difficult time for seniors living alone or nursing facilities. Give the gift of companionship, care and support by visiting seniors in your community or inviting those without loved ones to your family gatherings. Taking extra cookies to a neighbor, or offering to help with holiday shopping may be the best holiday gift you can give.

For more information on how to care for an aging loved one, contact Crittenton Home Care’s Continuing Care at 248-656-7010 or visit www.crittentonhc.com .