Celebrating Thanksgiving with Older Family Members
Let’s look at some great ways family members can help their senior loved ones enjoy Thanksgiving to the fullest. Whether it be joining together some fun family activities, or preparing some of your loved one’s favorite side dishes, there is plenty you can do to make Thanksgiving a wonderful day for them.
Thanksgiving Activities for Seniors: Making the Holiday Special
As one of the most cherished holidays, Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy spending time with family, and friends, and reflecting upon what we are grateful for in our lives. However, for some older adults, the holiday can also be a time of confusion, stress, or isolation. This is especially true if a senior is living with dementia.
Let’s look at some great ways family members can help their senior loved ones enjoy Thanksgiving to the fullest. Whether it be joining together some fun family activities, or preparing some of your loved one’s favorite side dishes, there is plenty you can do to make Thanksgiving a wonderful day for them.
What Does Thanksgiving Mean to Your Senior Loved One?
Important holidays like Thanksgiving can hold different levels of significance for family members. Many people consider the holiday to be a time of reflection, and gratitude, while others might enjoy just simply being together to share a wonderful meal.
As you prepare for the holiday, ask your loved one what Thanksgiving has traditionally meant to them. Knowing their sentiments will be very helpful in providing them with a fulfilling, peaceful, and enjoyable experience.
Tips for Creating a Senior Friendly Thanksgiving Dinner
Here are some great ways you can maximize your loved one’s enjoyment of Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving Dinner Ideas
Nothing will put your loved one in the holiday spirit more than anticipating the enjoyment of eating some of their favorite foods. Whether it be special stuffing, or their grandmother’s favorite pumpkin pie recipe, they will love that you prepared these special dishes for them.
Consider Their Food Needs
While many people consider the holiday to be a time of food indulgence, it’s important to keep your loved one’s dietary needs in mind as you prepare the thanksgiving meals for seniors.
Many seniors cannot consume excessive amounts of salt, sugar, or saturated fat. As you plan your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to adhere to your loved one’s dietary restrictions.
Eating Capabilities
Some older people need extra help as it relates to feeding themselves. Consider your loved one’s eating needs when planning your Thanksgiving meal. If necessary, cut food up into smaller portions to make it easier for them to swallow.
If they have chewing issues due to dentures, or missing teeth, prepare soft foods that are easier to chew, and digest.
These simple steps will go a long way in making your loved one’s Thanksgiving meal more enjoyable, and pleasant.
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Engaging Activities to Foster Connection with Seniors
Thanksgiving Games for Seniors
In addition to the delicious food served at Thanksgiving, many families enjoy playing games while spending time together. Ask your loved one what games they would like to participate in before or after the big meal is served.
Popular Thanksgiving family games include:
- Board or Card Games
- Thanksgiving Trivia for Seniors
- Memory Games
Easy Thanksgiving Crafts for Seniors
Crafts are another great way to bring the family together for fun, and fellowship on Thanksgiving day.
Ask your loved one if there are any crafts they would like to do. Whichever craft project the family takes on, be sure it aligns with your loved one’s physical, and cognitive capabilities. For example, creating paper turkeys or making fall wreaths.
Thanksgiving Movies for Seniors
Many families enjoy watching a special movie together on Thanksgiving. Ask your loved one if there are any special movies they would like to share with the rest of the family. Sharing this experience with others will help your loved one feel included, and wanted.
A Meaningful Thanksgiving for All Generations
Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to make memories with family members, and friends. By serving your older loved one’s favorite meals, considering their dietary, and physical needs, planning fun games, crafts, or watching a movie of their choice, you will demonstrate how important they are to everyone in the family.
The compassionate staff at Frontier Senior Living helps our residents fill their lives with friendship, purpose, and meaning. If you would like to learn more about our many services, we invite you to visit one of our communities, take a tour, and speak to our friendly staff.
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