Holiday Tips for Aging Adults in San Antonio
It’s December already?! The holiday season is filled with celebrations, traditions, and gatherings. It can be just as overwhelming for some as it can be enjoyable, especially for those living with cognitive impairment. Let’s look at some helpful tips for making this year's festivities as smooth as possible.
Set Expectations
Communicate with your loved ones beforehand about what to expect so everyone can be on the same page. Make a list of your favorite meals, decorations, traditions, and activities. Then rule out what you could live without to have manageable events. Downsizing doesn’t mean you are lazy or anything is less special. Consider focusing on a few popular activities and putting your time and energy into those instead of everything that might normally be included. While preparing your events you can always have backup plans or add last-minute smaller activities with loved ones. Pivoting is an important skill to have in your pocket when things aren’t going exactly as planned and need to change on the fly.
Put Your Needs First
It’s easy to get wrapped up in trying to please everyone else and forget about yourself. Stress can take many forms and you might not realize it while it’s happening. It’s important to care for ourselves to be at our best for others. Especially if you or your loved ones are living with a chronic disease or a recent health diagnosis. Set aside time to get what you need taken care of ahead of holiday activities. People who care about you will be understanding and offer to lend a hand if needed. Delegate tasks or offer them up for volunteering to accomplish.
Enjoy The Little Things
It’s important to stop and take time to enjoy things that we often take for granted. It may be that special baked dessert, a holiday movie, or sharing stories with relatives. Savor those moments and try not to stress about the minutiae of everything else going on. Most of the time, nobody will notice that something was left out of the plans. Take notes of what went well and what you would change for the next time around, including feedback from others. With preparation, communication, and teamwork the holidays can be joyful for you and loved ones.
We wish you a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year!
Resources
Senior Care Services
Senior Helpers Home Care Services in Canyon Lake, TX
Recipes
Fall Recipe Ideas | Southern Living
Activities