Ways to help a lonely older person this Christmas

 

Christmas is a wonderful time of year, and many people love the festive season. However, it can be difficult for an older person who has lost their partner or who are on their own. Some older people feel that Christmas is not something to look forward to. Time can pass slowly, and loneliness can set in. So, how can you help the elderly at Christmas?

 

Decorations

Offering to help with putting up Christmas decorations will bring festive cheer. Don’t forget to help take them down after. You could combine this with a bit of a spring cleaning, take them some lunch and spend the day if you have time.

 

Christmas cards and presents

Christmas cards are a lovely way of keeping in touch with older friends, relatives and elderly neighbours. They’re also a great way of showing respect and gratitude to those who are unable to leave their home. 

A great way to help the elderly at Christmas is to offer to write cards for older neighbours. This is a great way to get cosy and have a chat and a coffee too. Take some mince pies and pop on some carols. Check if they need help buying presents which you may be able to combine with your own Christmas shopping. Give them a hand wrapping when you write the cards. Dedicating a little time will mean so much.

 

Getting out and about

You could offer to take the person out for a walk or drive to see local community Christmas festivities. Take them for a meal out or to a local social club who may be holding community Christmas events during December. This will help avoid social isolation. Read more in our blog on The Importance of Social Interaction for Elderly People.

 

Festive visits

If you’re visiting elderly relatives, try to help them around the house and make sure they feel comfortable. See our Winter home safety tips for the elderly. Contact the elderly to let them know you’re coming in advance, so they have something to look forward. They can make sure that not everyone visits on the same day. Take a small token of a gift or a food offering. They may love having you in their house, but it may be tough for them too if they have nothing to offer. 

 

Call in time for Christmas

If you do not have time to visit someone over Christmas, try calling instead. A call on Christmas day, in the run up to or after Christmas will let them know that you are thinking of them. The sound of your voice during phone calls can be a real comfort over this special time of year. Read more on Elderly Loneliness at Christmas. If you are based further afield, we can help on your behalf, to pop in during the day, to check on your elderly loved one. Simply contact us.

 

Christmas dinner

If you’re hosting Christmas dinner at home, invite elderly relatives to all or part of the day. Sharing a meal is a great way of spending time together and making sure everyone is eating well. 

Good nutrition is important at any time of year, but it’s especially important over the Christmas period. If they’re in good health and enjoy a varied diet, there’s no need to make any special effort. However, if they have a specific health problem or are on a restricted diet, you may need to make some changes to their Christmas dinner.

 

How can Great Park Homecare help?

 

We understand that if you are working many hours, or have children and are suffering from ‘Sandwich Generation Stress’, it can be hard to spare time during the already busy Christmas period. We are here to help at Christmas and beyond. We support older adults and younger loved ones in your life, who will benefit from our person-centred care.

We know it is important to think about the needs of elderly people during Christmas and every day of the year. We provide domestic help services such as light house cleaning, personal care, companionship, Live In Care residential services 24 hours a day and more. We are here to help the elderly at Christmas and every day.

Please call 01753 369088 or visit our website www.greatparkhomecare.com for more information on our services.

Do we serve your area?

Areas we serve are Windsor, Old Windsor, Ascot and surrounding areas including Bray, Datchet, Dorney, Englefield Green, Eton, Eton Wick, Great Park, Winkfield and Windsor.