During the holiday season, families get together to enjoy this time. If you have seniors in your family, you may find that there have been some changes since you last spent time with them.
Here are four tips to help make this a peace filled season:
1. Limit alcohol intake – As we age, our body’s ability to tolerate alcoholic beverages changes. Additionally, medications and alcohol do not mix. Substitutions include non-alcoholic beer and sparkling beverages without alcohol content.
2. Manage the noise – Many of us have loss of hearing as we age because of noise exposure through our life. Family gatherings with children, music and large groups of people can be confusing to the senior because of the level of the noise, inability to communicate effectively due to sensory loss and increased confusion due to the problems with memory and cognition. Alternatives are to manage the noise level, make sure glasses and hearing aids are available and working and watch for signs of being overwhelmed. Taking the senior to a quiet place for a short period of time may be enough to make their day.
3. Change in routine – As we age, our routine is important to us. We often are less able to deal with changes in our environment. While we love to have our family around, there are children and toys to trip over, sleep schedules and noise are impactful, and medication routines may be disrupted. Keeping as close to routines as possible, helps the senior remain safe and intact in their environment and allows them to enjoy the season with their family and surroundings without becoming upset.
4. Food and beverage challenges – Seniors may have food intolerances or be on calorie or other restricted diet plans. Holiday drinks can be thickened if there are swallow issues. Snacks can be modified to make them easy to chew and swallow. Even those on restricted diets may be able to have modifications that allow participation. Make plans that include monitoring these intake needs and provide alternatives that allow the senior to participate without feeling they are different.
The holiday season can be all inclusive with some attention to detail. The modifications in the environment and food need not inhibit the celebration, but it enhances the senior's enjoyment as well as that of their family. If you are concerned about your loved one during the holidays, contact us for more information on how you can support them.