Planning a Successful Thanksgiving for Seniors

Planning a Successful Thanksgiving for Seniors

There is a long-standing tradition of sharing Thanksgiving festivities with the entire family, from the youngest to the oldest members. We gather around the table to enjoy a large meal and take the time out of our busy lives to give thanks for all of life’s blessings. Celebrating Thanksgiving with senior adults can, however, pose unique challenges. Finding joy in the season can be difficult for senior citizens who are far away from loved ones, struggling with physical or mental health issues, have dietary restrictions, or other issues that affect senior adults.

For those responsible for helping senior family members during the holiday, finding special ways to help them celebrate is important. Below are tips for a successful Thanksgiving celebration with seniors.

Transportation and Location

Selecting the right location is one of the most important considerations for a successful Thanksgiving. Previously, other factors were taken into consideration as to where the holiday would be celebrated, but ease of travel for senior adults should now be a priority. Hosting the event at their home is a good idea, even if they can no longer prepare the meal themselves. This removes the issues with transportation altogether.

For those seniors living in nursing or assisted living facilities, organizing safe and easy transportation to and from the location is essential to help reduce their stress and anxiety about the upcoming celebration.

Provide Healthy Food ChoicesTraditional Thanksgiving foods are rich and savory, and most often include sugary desserts. When serving these foods, it is important to also take into consideration healthier options for seniors who may have dietary restrictions. These food restrictions can be a result of many things including diabetes, heart problems, or other recent illnesses. Incorporating healthier options into the meal plan is an excellent way to keep your loved one from feeling left out, while encouraging healthier choices for the rest of the family as well.

Make Space for Accommodations

Making sure there is enough space for seniors is also an important consideration during big family gatherings. When a large number of family members are sharing a meal in one house, space can become very limited. This may not cause any issues for younger people, but older adults often suffer from mobility and balance issues, making it hard to move around easily in tight spaces. Using a wheelchair or walker, having a hard time moving around in smaller spaces can lead to discomfort, anxiety, and embarrassment for elderly family members. Ensure there is enough space for seniors during Thanksgiving festivities.

Encourage Participation

It is very likely that in the past, your senior loved one prepared and hosted Thanksgiving festivities in their home. When they are no longer capable of doing so, it’s still important to keep them engaged in the process. Ask them to help plan the meal and if they are able, help to prepare it. Seniors can participate in making decorations and place cards for seating arrangements. You can also encourage them to send handwritten notes to the family members who aren’t able to participate to help them stay connected.

Physical restrictions do not mean that seniors only want to be passive bystanders at family events. Including them in the planning gives them a sense of purpose, and they feel that they are still needed and appreciated.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is the time of year we gather our families together and give thanks for everything good in our lives. Jurney’s Assisted Living understands that it can also be a trying time for families with senior members. We provide many services to help make this time easier for everyone including assistance with bathing, dressing, and personal grooming for the event, scheduled transportation for outings, and a large private dining space. Contact us today to learn more.