Holiday Traditions and Seniors – Keep The Calm and Increase Joy

Holiday Traditions and Seniors

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Conscious Caregiving with L & L cohosts, Lance A. Slatton and Lori La Bey, share insights about holiday traditions and how they may need to be reevaluated and adapted to meet our Seniors’ needs. But as always, please realize these tips can be applied all year long to bring comfort, safety, and engagement to our elders and those living with a chronic illness.

Rethinking the way we entertain includes a serious look at the whys and hows we do the things we do. This is truly critical if we are going to try to keep things calm, comfortable, and joyful, especially for our elders. There are many ways to adjust our traditions to meet the needs at hand. One of the most important things when changing things up is to make sure we do it in a dignified way. Not making anyone feel less than, but rather important enough that everyone is willing and happy to make the changes so they feel included, safe, and comfortable!

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Learn:

1. Who is the primary person or people assigned to make your senior feels engaged and comfortable
2. Length of time of the event and what timeframe works best for your elder
3. Locations
   • The Traditional Home ot a new house setting
   • Travel needs – to drive or not to drive
   • Restrurants
   • Evaluate accessibility
     • parking
     • maneuvering around
     • restrooms
     • lighting
     • sound
     • movement
     • Is there a quiet area to escape for a bit if things get overwhelming, or there is too much stimulation?
4. Food
   • Family recipes
   • New foods introduced
   • Finger foods or snacks vs meals
   • Types of beverages
   • Serving style
   • Types of dishes used
     • Formal or Traditional
     • Expensive or heirloom
     • Paper and plastic
     • Holiday design
5. Entertainment
   • Decorations –
     • glare or flashing from lights
     • items triggered by sensors – that talk or light up when you walk by
     • noise volume
   • Games
   • Music
   • TV on in the background or as a scheduled event
   • How are gifts opened if exchanged
     • What type of gifts serve your elder best?
6. Group Size
   • Guest list –
   • May decide more smaller gatherings work better

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Additional Tips During The Holidays

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Subscribe, Watch, or Listen to Alzheimer’s Speaks on YouTube above

Order Lance or Lori’s Book Below – Both Make A Great Gift For Anyone, At Any Age, At Any Time.

Conscious Caregiving With L & L Addresses All Things Regarding Senior Care

Lance A. Slatton and Lori La Bey co-host and produce Conscious Caregiving with L & L. 

To learn more about Lance and Lori, you can visit their websites. Lance’s websites at All Home Care Matters and Lance A. Slatton

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