Easter weekend is upon us, and that’s just one of many holidays and special events families gather for throughout the year. These gatherings are meaningful to many seniors but as they age, they may become somewhat challenging over time. From mobility issues to difficulties with food and everything in between, older family members may struggle with different elements of these events and eventually opt out of them altogether.
Fortunately, with a little effort and some planning in advance, it’s easy to make family gatherings more accessible for seniors. Here are three tips to help you organize your next holiday meal or family birthday party. If you’d like to speak to Living Assistance Services about high quality homecare services in Toronto, Mississauga and the surrounding areas, please contact us. We’d be glad to answer your questions and provide a personalized quote.
Be mindful of location
Many holiday gatherings take place in a family member’s home, but not all homes are accessible for aging family members. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Can my aging loved one travel comfortably to this home? (A short distance by car, for example, with family members willing to pick them up and drop them off.)
- Can they safely enter and exit the home? (Are there exterior or interior stairs leading to the main living space, or is it easy to get inside?)
- Will mobility devices fit through the home’s doorways? (If using a walker or wheelchair)
- Is there a washroom on the main floor? If not, will my aging loved one be able to safely access a washroom on a different floor?
- Is there comfortable seating for my aging loved one, both in the living space and at the dining table?
Once you’ve answered these questions, you can determine if it makes sense to a) have your gathering as planned, b) change the location of your family gathering to something more accessible, or c) create an alternate plan for your aging loved one (more on that below).
Carefully consider your timing and menu
While some seniors are keen to gather with family any time of day, many have set routines that reflect their sleep patterns, mealtimes or medication schedules. If this is the case, do your best to plan a family gathering that doesn’t interrupt these routines. For example, if your aging loved one takes an afternoon nap after lunch, consider planning a holiday brunch (served before their nap) or dinner (after their nap) but avoid a mid-afternoon gathering. If they don’t nap but have a consistent bedtime routine, consider having dinner on the early side so you can get them home in time for their usual regimen. If they’ll need to take medication while outside of the house, be sure they have it on hand when you pick them up.
In terms of food, it’s also best to think ahead. Some seniors will happily eat the exact same meal as younger family members while others may have chewing/swallowing issues related to their dental health or other conditions. If this is the case, consider their specific needs. Will cutting up or puréeing parts of the meal suffice? If not, can you offer an alternative meal that’s easier for them to enjoy? Do they need adaptive cutlery? Can they drink from a typical glass or would they prefer a cup with a straw? If your loved one has a Personal Support Worker (PSW), feel free to ask them for personalized advice. If a caregiver supports your loved one on a regular basis, they’ll be familiar with their eating habits and abilities.
Have a plan B
Adapting your family gathering to make it more accessible for seniors is a great way to demonstrate love and inclusivity, but some seniors will not be able to attend events outside of their home due to serious mobility issues and other challenges. If this is the case, consider what you can do rather than what you cannot do as a family. This may involve visiting with your loved one in their home, delivering food or preparing a meal in their kitchen, taking them to a nearby restaurant with accessible features instead of driving a longer distance to a family member’s house, or making other plans that suit their needs. At the end of the day, celebrating the holidays and other special occasions is about togetherness—no matter where you are or what that looks like. Thanks for reading, and please share this post with anyone who may find it helpful.
If you’d like to arrange for high quality homecare services in Toronto or Mississauga, please contact us. Living Assistance Services is pleased to help seniors live safely and independently in their own homes for as long as possible.