1. Current health conditions- Will the senior benefit from being among the family and guests or are there health issues that will make it an unpleasant experience? If this is the case, try a separate meal with fewer family members and guests, or do a solo holiday visit. Request that their regular caregiver attend the holiday event with them. This leaves you able to enjoy the senior and the rest of the family versus having caregiving responsibilities.

2. Hearing issues- Make sure you take any hearing issues into consideration. You could let other guests know this information as well. Often a senior hears better in a particular ear. Seat them strategically at the dinner table.

3. Dementia issues- Could the event be overwhelming? Some seniors with dementia enjoy large family gatherings, while others are overwhelmed by them.

4. Dietary issues- Review any restrictions with the doctor or caregiver to see if there are special considerations such as spicing or chewing issues.

5. Mental health- Be aware and understand that the holidays emotionally affect us all. It is often a day when those who have died before us come to mind. You can talk to your Senior Alternatives Care Manager about ways to approach this. Often, bringing up the person’s memory and spending a few minutes discussing pleasant memories can benefit the senior.

Be sure to discuss all these issues well in advance with a Senior Alternatives Care Manager. We are experts at advising families in this area and setting up strategies to assure the senior has a pleasant and meaningful holiday gathering. Also, our dedicated caregivers are happy to provide key information on the senior to assure the event is successful.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Senior Alternatives’ family to yours.

Often, bringing up the person’s memory and spending a few minutes discussing pleasant memories can benefit the senior.