Tips For Helping Seniors Celebrate the 4th of July

Tips For Helping Seniors Celebrate the 4th of July

It’s that time of year! The 4th of July holiday is one of the biggest, most celebrated holidays each year. Even if your senior loved one resides in an assisted living facility, they may still want to be included in the celebrations that come with this major holiday. When seniors are included in festivities, they feel more connected to family and friends and are more engaged in life.

There are activities, however, that may not be as suitable for older adults as they used to be. Thankfully, there are lots of creative ways to adapt Independence Day activities to meet the needs of your senior loved ones. Being older does not mean they can no longer enjoy the fun of major holidays. Below are ways to help aging adults enjoy 4th of July celebrations.

Provide a Shady Spot

Older adults aren’t always able to spend a long amount of time on their feet, so make sure to have chairs available for them that are comfortable when they need to sit. Set them up in a location that allows seniors to have a good view of the fireworks, games, bandstand or any other festivities.

It’s also important to set up chairs in a location that will provide shade. Many seniors have sensitive skin that must be protected from the sun, so a shady spot under a tree or a pop up shade umbrella will help keep them comfortable and safe from the sun. It’s also a good idea to find a quiet spot indoors nearby in case the celebrations become a bit too much for your loved one to handle. This will allow them to get away for a bit if they need a break.

Another important thing to keep in mind, is that older adults may become chilled when the sun goes down, even if the day has been hot. Make sure they have a light jacket available to enjoy the fireworks at the end of the day.

Easy Access to a Restroom

This one may be a given for everybody, but seniors may need access to a restroom more often than others. Make sure that your senior loved one is aware of any restroom facilities at the location. Walk with them to the restroom to ensure the path is clear and safe without trip hazards. It’s also a good idea to check with them throughout the day and encourage them to take bathroom breaks to avoid accidents that can ruin your celebration. 

Provide Food and Refreshments

Temperatures in July can get extremely hot, so make sure that the senior is staying well hydrated and has easy access to water. This is especially important if your loved one has enjoyed an alcoholic beverage.

Barbecue and other 4th of July themed foods are a staple of Independence Day celebrations. Help your loved one enjoy all the delicious food around them by helping to make a plate if they have issues carrying or holding things. If they are able and enjoy cooking, by all means allow them to show off their culinary skills (while keeping an eye on safety).

Be Prepared For Unexpected Changes

The month of July is famous for unexpected weather patterns and sudden rain or thunderstorms. If the weather won’t allow you to celebrate outdoors, or your loved one starts to feel unwell, you can still enjoy 4th of July celebrations indoors. This may not mean traditional parades, cookouts, and fireworks, but you can still fully enjoy celebrating the holiday. Play table top or board games, watch American themed movies, or do holiday themed puzzles or history quizzes. You can still enjoy holiday themed foods, even when the party gets moved inside.

Activities for Seniors Who Can’t or Don’t Want to Go Out

There are many older adults who are unable, or unwilling, to go out for celebrations but still want to enjoy holiday festivities. If this is the case, bring the festivities to them.

– Enjoy parades and fireworks on TV
– Watch classic or American themed movies
– Have a patriotic karaoke sing-along
– Make traditional holiday foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, cole slaw, potato salad, etc
– Prepare patriotic desserts
– Host an ice cream social
– Create crafty holiday themed items together like paper flags and banners

Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the 4th of July holiday with your senior loved one, it’s important to remember that this is still an important celebration for them. Jurney’s Assisted Living offers a discerning residential environment for those who, for whatever reason, should not live alone, but do not require skilled nursing care. Here, residents can live as independently as they wish, with the calm assurance that help is always available, should they require assistance with their activities of daily living. Residents may range from being very independent to being physically and/or memory challenged.  We provide planned social, cultural, and spiritual activities that include special holiday celebrations. Contact us today to learn more.