Passing the Holiday Torch

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Written by Judie Mackie

Friday, 07 November 2008 08:55

The seniors in my life are always the hardest ones to shop for on my Christmas list. They already have anything they need or want and most in my family are constantly downsizing and do not want more “stuff”. What they do want is time. More quality time to spend with their family and friends is really what they desire for the holidays.
My mother-in-law was so appreciative the year I took over having Thanksgiving at our home. The year I volunteered to handle Christmas Eve, too? Well, she just about came to tears. The holidays and entertaining are often a struggle for those who don’t have the strength, energy or the means to set out their usual spread that would make Martha Stewart take notes. My mother-in-law took care of every tiny detail, but there came a time that it was just too much for her to handle.

Seniors should never be left alone, especially during the holidays. If you cannot be with your loved ones, get other family members, neighbors or friends to help with errands and minor chores.
Just because someone has limited mobility, does not mean you cannot find some things of interest to do sharing time with them. Try a dinner theatre or a trip to the local mall when entertainment is featured. Some seniors walk the malls on a regular schedule for exercise.

Home Instead Senior Care recommends you join them for a few laps and gain great insight into gift ideas for them for the holidays.
Take them shopping when they have the most energy and do not plan to be gone for the entire day. If special medications or a wheel chair is needed, plan ahead. You will want to walk at their pace and plan for extra bathroom breaks and if they are up to it, stop for a light lunch to rest and re-hydrate.

When thinking of gifts for your loved ones, think of gifts that include spending time together, such as a dinner gift certificate, a fishing charter or casino cruise, or board games.
The last time I visited my Mom and her husband, I made several large meals and packaged up the leftovers in smaller meals for two and put them in their freezer. This served two purposes, it made it easier on them to eat well and my mother is honestly, not a very good cook, so my step-dad was more appreciative than you could imagine. I wish we lived closer because just spending time with them is sometimes not enough. There are always so many chores that need to be done due to recent health issues, I feel guilty that I do not have more time to spend at their home.

Maybe this year for the holidays I will hire a handy man for a couple of hours to handle their “honey-do” list! As a matter of fact, I may just get an extra one of those for myself.

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Market Notes

January 6, 2009

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