Start Planning Holiday Gatherings Now to Avoid Stressful Situations

By Andy Niska | October 25, 2018 |

As Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings near, stress increases. For an elderly parent, crowds, noise, and activity can be alarming. This is especially true when Alzheimer’s is present.

Elderly Care in Spokane WA: Planning Ahead for Holiday Gatherings

Remembering who people are, inviting strangers into the home, and trying to be a host is very hard for someone with Alzheimer’s. Even if that’s not the case, some seniors are accustomed to a daily routine that’s quiet and organized. Holiday gatherings can bring chaos and messes.

If a gathering is being held elsewhere, your parents have to acclimate to a new area. If mobility is an issue, stairs may pose a big problem. Furniture may be difficult to get out of. Children running and knocking into the elderly can also be hazardous.

To prevent stress and frustration, advanced planning is essential. Here are things you and your family should discuss before hosting or attending a holiday gathering.

Is Travel Required?

Will your parents have to travel hours to reach the house where the gathering is being held? Do flights need to be arranged? If flights are necessary, you should make sure your parents have the required identification cards for travel. They may need a passport or an enhanced driver’s license.

If they will struggle to get from one gate to the next for a connecting flight, they may need help. Arrange assistance and wheelchair service as soon as possible and confirm it’s all set a day or two before the flight.

Is There Room for Everyone?

Does your parents’ house have enough room for those who will be attending? If the gathering is being held at another person’s home, is there enough room to avoid your mom and dad feeling crowded? If not, could you book a private room in a restaurant or hotel?

Is It Better if Your Parents Don’t Attend a Large Function?

It may be best to hold a smaller holiday gathering with immediate family at your mom and dad’s house. While you attend the larger function or host one at your house, an elderly care agency can provide you with respite care. Your parent stays home with someone offering the elderly care services they need, while you put in an appearance for your family.

Caregivers can also help through the holidays by taking your mom and dad to stores for holiday shopping. Meal preparation, laundry service, and assistance with personal care are also helpful. Call us to learn more about respite care and other services that help with elderly care.

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care in Spokane, WA, please contact the friendly staff at Love at Home Senior Care, today. Call (509) 204-4088

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Andy Niska

Owner at Love In Home Senior Care

Andy has over 20+ years experience in the medical community and has a true compassion for seniors. With a degree in Health Care Administration, he developed a background in a variety of health care services that only comes from first hand experience. While working as a manager of a large clinic and as an account executive for medical suppliers. Andy has built valuable relationships with the medical community.

His role in Love In Home Senior Care is to educate people on what care choice is the best fit for the senior and their family while attempting to make this decision as stress-free as possible for everyone involved.

This decision making process should be smooth and stress free for everyone, including all family members and their loved ones. Having access to people with experience (like the team at Love In Home Senior Care) to assist you along the way can help this process. With an extensive background in health care, Andy has the experience needed to guide and direct your loved one to the choice that is the best fit.