Valentine’s Day is a fun holiday that encourages everyone to put aside their differences and focus on feelings of affection, love and happiness. Elderly adults enjoy Valentine’s Day as much as ever, especially when they are restricted physically from socializing as much as they once did. Family caregivers and home care providers can assist the aging adult in creating a fun Valentine’s Day experience that will bring joy and delight into their lives.
Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with aging loved ones:
Send Thoughtful Notes to Loved Ones
Today’s families are often spread across the country, making it hard to get together frequently. Seniors can send the adult version of a valentine card and pen some letters on festive stationery. Elderly adults can become inspired by Valentine’s Day and write notes of appreciation to friends and family. With a family caregiver or home care provider’s help, they can mail them a week or so before Valentine’s Day so recipients can get them in time for the holiday.
Bake Treats for Others
Cookies and cupcakes go hand-in-hand with Valentine’s Day, and there’s no better way to show someone they are appreciated than by giving them baked treats. Elderly adults can do the cooking, or if they are physically unable, they can leave it to family caregivers or home care providers. Most aging adults can do the frosting and decorating. Seniors will certainly enjoy delivering Valentine’s Day treats to neighbors and friends or gifting them to the local fire station or police station.
Make Valentine’s Day Crafts
The internet is full of clever ideas for Valentine’s Day crafts that will brighten any home. Seniors can work with family caregivers or home care providers to make decorations for their room or deliver finished crafts to the local nursing home. Group craft parties are also fun for seniors to host for other friends, grandchildren or family members.
Volunteer Somewhere
Valentine’s Day is an excellent time to spread love to those who are less fortunate. Elderly adults often want to give back to the community but are limited in physical ability and finances. However, there are plenty of volunteer activities they can do with the help of family caregivers and home care providers. Examples include donating goods to a food bank, donating clothes or toys to a local women’s shelter, spending time at an animal shelter socializing kittens and visiting seniors at a nursing home. The good feelings they get from helping others is priceless.
Instead of treating Valentine’s Day as just another holiday, family caregivers can take the time to make it special for their elderly loved one. With a little preparation and some help from friends, home care providers or family members, aging adults can have an enjoyable Valentine’s Day.
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED-ONE ARE CONSIDERING HOMECARE IN KNIGHTDALE, NC, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT SENIORS HELPING SENIORS TODAY. CALL (919) 761-5346.