Columbia Aged Care

During the holidays, your loved one may begin to feel isolated, left out or lonely. The best way to keep your loved one happy is to include them in the family holiday activities and preparations. Not only will this boost their self-esteem and morale but it will also keep them active and keep their mind engaged.

Comfort Keeper has provided some helpful ideas on how to include your loved one this holiday season.

Cook a favourite meal together. Get your loved one to help you make a dish that they loved as a child or a meal that was once prepared as a family tradition. Involving your loved one in the process will allow them to feel helpful and needed.

Take a drive to see the Christmas lights. Taking your loved one on a drive – especially if they are no longer able to drive – can be a great experience. Taking them to see the Christmas lights on Christmas Eve will make them feel happy and socially included.

Set up a Christmas tree together. Decorating a house or a tree can bring so much joy – especially if you or your children are helping your loved one to do it. Involving your loved one in ornamenting the tree or their house will help them to feel included and helpful.

If you live far away from your loved one or are unable to spend majority of the holidays with them, encourage them to join a social group, visit their friends and take part in holiday activities. Holiday seasons can become depressing so make sure your loved one feels connected to family and friends.

Read the full article here.

When planning a trip all travellers should be careful to ensure that they will stay healthy and safe while they are away. Older people need to be more careful as they may have a few extra concerns.

Nobody wants to fall ill or be worried about health and safety while on holidays – holidays are meant to be relaxing. Therefore, to make the planning process easier when it comes to health and safety, here are some tips the Better Health Channel has provided for travelling seniors:

Pre-trip planning:

• Research the areas you will be visiting and note down the medical facilities there.
• Research factors that may affect you such as climate, language and culture.
• Make arrangements for mobility needs in advance.
• Organise travel insurance.

Your Luggage:

• Make sure your carry-on bag contains everything you will need for the entire flight including a medical kit with medications, painkillers and band-aids.
• Take a pill box with separate weekday compartments to ensure your daily medication routine is not forgotten.
• Take a spare pair of glasses.

Safety Suggestions:

• Don’t travel around at night.
• Don’t wear expensive jewellery.
• Wear valuables on a belt worn under clothes and next to the skin.
• If you are going overseas, carry with you the contact details of the Australian Embassy in case you need help.

Read the full article here.

Christmas is a great time to get together with extended family and catch up with old friends. However, the elderly can find these times stressful, confusing or depressing if their needs are not considered.

Health issues and general symptoms of aging mean that older friends and family members have mental and physical requirements during family gatherings, trips and other holiday activities. Sharon O’Brien at About.com has provided some useful tips to help seniors enjoy Christmas.

• Stroll down memory lane. Encourage older people to share stories from their younger life, which are great for children too. Picture albums or old music can help stimulate memories.
• Schedule quiet time. When planning holiday activities, remember that older people can tire easily, particularly at large, loud gatherings. Reduce the chance of irritability by allowing for naps and quiet time.
• Eliminate obstacles. If a gathering is held in a place that is familiar to an older person who has memory impairment, avoid moving furniture. If it is in an unfamiliar place, remove slippery rugs and items that present a tripping hazard.
• Avoid embarrassing moments. If an elderly family member or friend has memory problems, be considerate when they forget events, and don’t embarrass them by saying ‘Don’t you remember?’
• Create new memories by adding something new to the traditional family activities, such as going for a drive to look at Christmas lights.
• Be inclusive. When everyone is helping to prepare a meal, find an easy, helpful task for the older person so that they are useful and part of the group.
• Reach out. Make contact with family members and old friends. Christmas can be particularly lonely for older people. If you notice that your elderly family member or friend is showing signs of depression, don’t ignore it. Take steps to help.
• Monitor medications and alcohol. Help seniors adhere to their medication schedule during the holidays and ask whether alcohol can interfere with their medication or illness.

Christmas is a great time to catch up with loved ones that you don’t see regularly. As long as you take their needs into consideration, older people usually love seeing their family and friends at Christmas.

Read the full article HERE.