Helping seniors get into the holiday spirit

The holidays are a time of festivities and cheer but for some it can be a difficult time.

For many seniors, the holidays can be a less than joyous occasion due to isolation, loneliness and physical limitations. Thankfully there are ways to make sure that seniors feel included and are a part of the holiday cheer. Continue reading for ways to get the senior in your life into the holiday spirit:

Quality time is priceless

Social isolation can affect a senior’s psychological and cognitive health. According to Statistics Canada, 1.4 million elderly Canadians reported feeling lonely. The holidays can further exacerbate the feelings of loneliness by reminding the senior of the loved ones that they have lost. It is important to keep in contact with your loved one during the holidays. Try to schedule regular visits or phone calls to make sure that they are okay.

If you are unable to visit your loved one or if you live in a different city, there are services that will send people out to spend time with seniors. Seniors for Seniors has a program that can provide drop-in visits to your loved one in their home, retirement residence or assisted living facility. The senior companion can keep your loved one company by dropping in and playing cards, reading to them, helping them prepare meals, dressing them and helping them with their medications if needed. The drop-in companion can also help your loved one with gift wrapping and writing holiday cards, things that they might otherwise find difficult to do.

Physical isolation

The harsh winter climate in Canada makes transportation to everyday destinations such as the grocery store or doctor’s office challenging. The elderly are particularly susceptible to isolation during the winter months with a lack of transportation. Seniors for Seniors is able to provide driver companions to and from medical appointments, shopping centres to go gift shopping, grocery stores, the bank or to visit family and friends.

During the winter months, it is important that your loved one has something to look forward to. Try scheduling a family get together at a favourite restaurant or go to the local market to walk around and admire the holiday decorations and treats that are available. Keeping your loved one busy will help with social and physical isolation.

The gift that keeps on giving

Finding your elderly relative or friend the perfect gift can be challenging. That’s why we compiled a list of the top gift ideas for seniors. If you can’t find anything that’s suitable, consider gifting a Seniors for Seniors gift certificate which can be used towards any of the following services:

• Drop-in companions
• Personal care & homemaking
• Driver companion
• House cleaning
• Live-in companion
• Overnight Assistance
• Foot Care

Purchase an e-gift card online or by calling Seniors for Seniors at 1-844-339-8638.