Thanksgiving Ease for the Elderly

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Thanksgiving Ease for the Elderly

Kristina O'Brien • Nov 17, 2020

Thanksgiving is a time for family and celebration. But when a loved one in your family requires elderly care and support, you might worry if they are able to partake in a big family event. Thanksgiving can oftentimes be emotionally difficult for many seniors, leaving them feeling stressed or perhaps even lonely. But there are many ways to ensure that Thanksgiving can be enjoyable and stress-free for our elderly family and friends.

Specifically, if you have senior loved ones showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease — or if they are beginning to lose some of their physical strength and capabilities— your traditional Thanksgiving celebration may need to be changed a bit in order to accommodate their needs.

Choose Senior-Friendly Foods

Thanksgiving is a time for feasting with friends and family. Older Americans often have more trouble eating, due to dental health, older taste buds, and chewing strength concerns. If a member of your family requires elderly care, it’s a good idea to build parts of your Thanksgiving dinner around what they can and can’t eat.

Consider making dishes that are easy to chew and gentle on those with dentures. Also, try to cut back on salt in favor of other seasonings. And if your loved one has a Thanksgiving favorite that they might have issues chewing — such as turkey — you can help by cutting their food into manageable pieces.

Make Traveling Easier

If you need to travel long distances with an elderly loved one this Thanksgiving, take steps to make sure their ride is a comfortable one.

Seniors are often more sensitive and susceptible to cold, so if you’re driving and the weather’s a little frosty, consider bringing a blanket. You might want to make sure they are comfortable by offering a support cushion to help with their posture.

Also, make sure you’ve packed any medications that your loved one might need while away from home.

Schedule Professional Elderly Care

Most elderly care agencies keep caregivers available throughout the year, including over holidays like Thanksgiving. If you think that your loved one would benefit from having an elderly care provider with them for the holiday, speak with their agency about scheduling care. Having a professional caregiver around for Thanksgiving can help you ensure your loved one is looked after, giving you the chance to spend your day enjoying your time with the whole family.

This Thanksgiving, take advantage of the extra friends and family and allow them to help see to the needs of your senior loved one. Regardless of what you decide to do together, any time you share is a precious gift. And with these tips, we hope you can ensure that your elderly loved one has a special day, while you enjoy your holiday as well.

Sources:

Meske, C., Sanders, G. F., Meredith, W. H., Abbott, D. A, (2016). Perceptions of Rituals and Traditions Among Elderly

Persons. Stevenson, S. (2019, June 24). How to Recognize Signs It’s Time for Assisted Living. Retrieved from https://www.aplaceformom.com/blog/2013-3-11-signs-its-time-for-assisted-living/.

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While the information provided in this blog is intended to be informative and helpful, it's important to consult with a qualified professional for personalized advice. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or specific medical conditions, don't hesitate to reach out to your physician or another trusted healthcare provider. Your health is important, and seeking professional guidance ensures you receive the best care tailored to your individual needs.