The holiday season is a festive time filled with joy, cheer, and, of course, all the enchanting decorations. For many, turning their home into a winter wonderland is essential to the celebration. However, for busy caregivers of seniors, the task of decorating (and eventually taking down those decorations) may seem rather exhausting. That's where this helpful guide can be your beacon.
We introduce three possible approaches to holiday decorating: do-it-yourself (DIY), assisted, and hired. Each approach has particular advantages and is optimally suited for specific holiday decorating tasks.
DIY Tasks
These tasks are simple enough for seniors to undertake on their own, injecting their personal touch into the holiday aesthetic. More than just a holiday activity, they serve a dual purpose. They stimulate cognitive abilities and maintain fine motor skills, thus creating wonderful opportunities for seniors to recall traditions and create new memories. Simple, safe tasks might include:
- Unpacking holiday dishes and decorations
- Directing helpers with hanging decorations
- "Fluffing up" synthetic wreaths, garlands, and tree sections
- Folding and ironing holiday linens
- Hanging tree ornaments at or below eye level
Note that all tasks should be performed with safety as a priority. Ensure sufficient lighting is present and the seniors are comfortably seated while they're working on them. Items should be within easy reach to avoid over-stretching or trips and falls.
Assisted Tasks
Some holiday decorating tasks are more demanding, requiring physical effort that may not be suitable or safe for seniors to accomplish alone. Setting up a Christmas tree, hanging ornament-laden boughs or wreaths, or placing decorations in hard-to-reach areas are among these tasks. Having an extra pair of hands for these tasks is crucial for safety and efficiency, ensuring that any mishaps do not mar the holiday cheer.
Hired Tasks
Certain tasks during the holiday season are complex and are best left to professionals. This includes installing outdoor decorations or setting up elaborate light displays. Professionals come equipped with the right tools and safety equipment, ensuring the tasks are carried out efficiently without any risk of injuries or accidents. They ensure safety and save time and effort, freeing you up for other holiday activities.
Get Ready for the Holidays With Senior Helpers
The holiday season is all about enjoying quality time with loved ones, creating lasting memories, and basking in the festive cheer. By organizing activities according to ability, we aim to streamline the process, making it enjoyable for seniors and their caregivers. It ensures that the focus remains on the joy and spirit of the season rather than on the tasks themselves.
Does your senior need assistance decorating their home, getting to and from family gatherings, or performing day-to-day personal care routines? Senior Helpers Lafayette is here to assist. Our professional in-home caregivers serve seniors in Morgan City, Abbeville, Carencro, Eunice, or Jennings. Contact us today to learn more about how we can empower your senior loved one to live their best, most independent life.