How to Have a Great Thanksgiving with Your Elderly Loved Ones

Last Updated October 10, 2019

Our home care companions can help you and your loved one enjoy Thanksgiving Day

On the second Monday of October, families throughout Canada gather for Thanksgiving Day. During this holiday (and the long weekend leading up to it), loved ones have the opportunity to get together and enjoy each other’s company. During this time of year, you can spend time with elderly loved ones whom you may not see very often during the year.

Although Thanksgiving Day is a very special time of year, it can also be stressful for older family members. Age-related issues can make it difficult for senior loved ones to help with preparing Thanksgiving dishes, traveling long distances, or spending quality time with the people they care about. At Senior Home Care by Angels, our home care companions can give you some tips on being mindful of your loved one’s needs so they can enjoy Thanksgiving with the rest of the family.

Offer Senior-Friendly Foods

If your senior loved one uses dentures or has trouble with chewing, you may want to consider offering dishes that are easy to chew. Popular Thanksgiving dishes that your loved one will enjoy without worrying about their dental health include mashed potatoes, cornbread, and biscuits. You could also offer to cut your loved one’s food into smaller pieces.

In addition, your loved one may have medical issues and need to follow a specific diet. They may also be taking certain medications that can make them feel nauseous. Talk with your loved one about any dietary restrictions they may have and prepare dishes that they can enjoy without worrying about their health.

Make Easy Travel Arrangements

If your senior loved one is traveling to another family member’s home for the holidays, the trip to their destination can be stressful. Work with your loved one to find travel arrangements that are safe and comfortable. Make sure to factor in any mobility issues and find accessible travel solutions.

Additionally, the weather may get a little chilly during the holidays. Make sure your loved one dresses appropriately and brings a blanket so they don’t get too cold.

Enjoy Senior-Friendly Activities

There are plenty of fun things to do during Thanksgiving and including your senior loved one can create some wonderful memories that they’ll cherish for years to come.

Here are some fun activities the whole family can enjoy:

Watching the Thanksgiving Day Classic; even if your loved one doesn’t like football, they can still enjoy the half-time show
Play board games
Go outside and toss around a football
Go on a group walk
Visit a local apple orchard; your senior loved one can enjoy a wagon tour or some hot apple cider
Reminisce about your loved one’s past experiences

Consider Hiring a Professional Home Care Companion

Families can get busy around Thanksgiving and you may not always have the time to make sure your senior loved one is doing well. A seasonal home care companion can help your loved one during the holidays so they can enjoy the festivities with the rest of the family. At Senior Home Care by Angels, we can keep your loved one company while traveling, prepare a senior-friendly Thanksgiving plate for them, help them get to the toilet, and so much more.

When you help your senior loved one on Thanksgiving, you’re giving them the gift of having peace of mind as they spend quality time with the people they love – and that’s truly something to be thankful for.

Contact your local Senior Home Care by Angels office to learn more about how our home care companions can assist your loved one this Thanksgiving.