Thanksgiving is an exciting time of year: it’s the kick-off to the holiday season, autumn is in full swing, and it’s a great excuse to spend time with family and loved ones eating delicious food. For many, especially those living with or who have aging loved ones, family get-togethers can be difficult to coordinate, and Thanksgiving is no different.
Whether your aging loved ones are living abroad, at an active retirement residence, or at home, this article will breakdown the best ways to create a welcoming and memorable environment just in time for Thanksgiving.
Read on to find out how to plan the best Thanksgiving get-together you can, depending upon your aging loved one’s living situation.
For Those With Loved Ones Living Alone
Many seniors are still living fruitfully on their own, in their own homes. While hosting a Thanksgiving feast at their home is a great option for many families, planning holiday get-togethers can be challenging. Here are some things to consider if you have an aging loved one in this situation:
- Coordinate travel plans
If you and your family are travelling to visit your aging loved ones, ensure to coordinate all travel plans ahead of schedule to ensure everyone is on time and comfortable during the commute. This is especially important around the holidays, as everyone’s schedules become hectic. If, on the other hand, your aging loved one is the one travelling, ensure you’ve coordinated their transportation well in advance, and that they are comfortable. This is especially important if they use a mobility device.
- Schedule professional elderly care
If you feel your aging loved one would benefit from the extra care and attention afforded by a professional care agency, ensure you make the necessary arrangements in advance. Most agencies will offer their services throughout the holiday season, giving you the chance to spend your days enjoying time with your whole family.
For Those With Loved Ones Living Far Away
For some, aging loved ones may live far away, and despite your best efforts, you simply cannot be with them in person to spend Thanksgiving. If you find yourself in this position, consider the following to help everyone enjoy the holiday festivities:
- Send a care package
You can consider sending your aging loved one a care package full of seasonal goodies you know they’ll enjoy. Depending on how far away they live, you can consider sending both perishable and non-perishable food items, which is especially useful if they live far from, or are unable to get to a grocery store. You can also include festive decorations, and coordinate the drop-off of a homemade pie or other baked goodies with neighbours or friends who may live nearby.
- Coordinate catering
If you simply don’t have the time, or are too late in creating and mailing a care package, coordinating catering for your aging loved ones is another great option. This is especially useful if they don’t have the time or ability to prepare a home-cooked meal. If this is the case, coordinate the catering of Thanksgiving dinner for your loved ones with a local catering company. You can request to include their favourite dishes, although, ensure you give your loved ones the head’s up so they know not to prepare dinner for themselves.
- Connect through a phone or video call
Connecting with your aging loved ones through either a phone or video call is perhaps the next best thing to seeing them in person. Give them a call with the rest of your family to chat over Thanksgiving dinner and send them well wishes. With video chat in particular, you can virtually host your loved ones at your Thanksgiving dinner and festivities, get them involved with your preparations, invite them to your kitchen and dining table, get their advice on a recipe, and interact with them as if they were there.
For Those With Loved Ones In A Seniors Residence
Many families nowadays likely have an aging loved one living in an active senior residence. Depending upon your loved one’s condition, and the policies of their residence, you may find yourself bringing the Thanksgiving festivities to them. If you find yourself in this position, consider the following:
- Plan the scope of your get-together
If you’ll be bringing Thanksgiving dinner to your loved one in their seniors residence, consider the scope of your get-together. Will you plan an intimate gathering of just you and your family? Or will you include other residents who are friends of your loved one? The answers to these questions will determine the amount and kinds of food you’ll need to prepare and bring, as well as any decorations and beverages. Most seniors’ homes have a shared kitchen and/or a private dining room that can be booked to host a holiday meal. Knowing the scope of your get-together will help you plan in advance and prepare adequately.
- Consider the cost
Depending on how many people for whom you plan to cater, you’ll need to dedicate a budget and coordinate with the residence’s staff. Depending on the scope and size of your get-together, you may want to involve members of the residence staff, other family members and friends, and even the general community to help with preparations and to off-set the cost.
- Plan the get-together
Once again, the scope of your proposed get-together will determine whether you’ll prepare and cook the food yourself or hire a local catering service. Consider whether or not you’ll need additional cooks or volunteers to help out, what you will serve, and what activities everyone will enjoy, all while considering the dietary restrictions of those you plan to host. Aside from food, also consider bringing decorations or other seasonal momentos you and your family, and other guests, will enjoy.
It’s also important to remember that the holidays (Thanksgiving as well as the upcoming festive season) can be a difficult time for seniors, especially those living alone. While feelings of loneliness and isolation may speak to broader mental health concerns, which should be addressed by your family and a trusted medical advisor, simply taking the time to visit your aging loved ones in-person or giving them a call can make a world of difference. There’s no better time than the holidays to slow down and connect with family and friends, and time and care are among some of the best gifts you can give to your aging loved ones.
Use Thanksgiving and the upcoming holiday season to reflect upon the love and appreciation you have for your loved ones, both old and young. While family get-togethers can be stressful to plan, bear in mind that you can easily plan and execute a Thanksgiving get-together with your aging loved ones regardless of their living situation. Learn more about how Seasons creates a welcoming environment for their residents and family members throughout the holiday season.
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