What to Do If You Can't Visit Your Elderly Parents This Holiday Season
Visiting senior parents during the holiday season has always been a tradition in Chesterton. You get to spend more time with them without worrying about everyday demands. However, this is only sometimes possible. Maybe you are too far from your loved ones, are sick, or your school/work break is short. In such a case, you can do the following to ensure you and your parents do not feel left out during this season of get-togethers.
1. Break the News Early
Avoid waiting until a week into the holiday season to tell your parents that you will not be spending the holidays with them. If possible, break the news early. Tell them you will not be able to visit them even before they ask as that will give them more time to process whatever feelings may arise. Afterward, keep talking to them about other topics as this will make everything feel normal.
2. Send Them Letters
Many people think about coupons and bills whenever someone talks about letters. However, you can change this norm by sending the seniors in your life letters this holiday season. The letters will brighten their day and help them overcome the low mood that may develop because their family will not be complete for the holidays.
3. Video Call Them
Video calls have made it possible for people to see each other even when they are far apart. Conferencing applications such as Google Hangouts, Zoom, and WebEx have even made it easier for people to hold virtual meetings. Why not use these apps if you are unable to visit your parents this holiday season?
Not only can you see and talk to your elderly parents through video calls, but you can also watch a movie together, play games, and do other activities that you usually do during the holiday season.
4. Share Photos
Sending photos to your parents is a great way to share your good moments. Therefore, if you are not going to spend this holiday season with them, ensure that you send them a few photos, and the photos can keep them connected to you. Photo-sharing applications such as Dropbox and WeTransfer can make this easy.
5. Be Hopeful That You Will Visit Them Next Holiday Season
Things may have gone differently this year, but that doesn’t mean that things will always be the same every year. Maybe next year, you will get an opportunity to spend time with your loved ones. Such thoughts can lessen your disappointment about not being able to spend time with family this holiday season. To better manage everyone’s feelings and expectations, make plans with your senior parents for the next holiday season.
Conclusion
Being unable to visit your senior parents during the holiday season can take its toll. Not being able to assist them in carrying out daily activities can be even more stressful. The Senior Helpers of Chesterton can take this off your shoulder. We offer in-home care services to Chesterton residents and the people living in the surrounding areas, including Valparaiso, Portage, Lake County, La Porte, Hobart, Westville, Beverly Shores, and Michigan City. Contact us now to learn more about our services.