Senior Home Care by Angels recommends these Thanksgiving activities that you and your senior loved one will enjoy
The COVID-19 pandemic will affect how families throughout Canada will celebrate Thanksgiving weekend this year. Many beloved events have been cancelled, and families may decline travelling to a loved one’s home to avoid spreading the virus.
However, there are many ways you can celebrate Thanksgiving with your senior parent or relative while following social distancing guidelines and recommendations from the Public Health Agency of Canada. At Senior Home Care by Angels, we recommend these fun activities for families who want to safely and responsibly enjoy the holiday with their senior loved ones.
Make Thanksgiving Dinner Together
Preparing Thanksgiving dinner can be fun for the whole family. There are so many dishes, like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and apple pie, that you and your loved one can team up to prepare. You can also work together to make some local favourites like butter tarts and Nanaimo bars. This will give you a chance to bond over a shared activity.
When making Thanksgiving dishes with your loved one, you should also consider preparing more senior-friendly dishes, including foods that are easy to chew. It’s also a good idea to ask your loved one ahead of time if they have any dietary restrictions or are following a certain diet. For example, if your loved one is having issues with bone health, consider preparing dishes that are high in calcium or vitamin D.
If your loved one is staying home this Thanksgiving, consider hiring a caregiver from Senior Home Care by Angels to assist them with meal preparation. Even if your loved one can’t be with their family this year, our caregivers can help them prepare their favorite Thanksgiving foods, set the table, wash dishes afterward, and provide meaningful companionship before, during, and after the meal.
Spend Quality Time with Your Loved One
Thanksgiving is a great time to spend time with your loved one. If you were unable to visit because of the pandemic, this is an opportunity to catch up and enjoy each other’s presence. You can also spend Thanksgiving watching your loved one’s favourite movies or TV shows or reminisce over past memories.
If you feel safe in doing so, you and your loved one can enjoy going for a walk around the neighbourhood or hiking on a trail. Make sure you’re following social distancing guidelines and wearing face masks.
If it’s too risky to see your loved one in person, you can call or FaceTime your loved one so you can spend time with them while making sure both of you stay safe. If your loved one needs help with using their phone to communicate with the family, consider hiring a caregiver from Senior Home Care by Angels. Through our Social Care program, we can teach your loved one how to make calls, texts, and FaceTime so they can stay in touch with friends and family over the holiday.
Enjoy Virtual or Socially Distanced Events
Although many popular holiday events like the Thanksgiving Day Classic have been cancelled this year, there are still events you and your loved one can enjoy while staying safe. Many institutions are offering virtual events, such as museum tours and live-streamed concerts, so you both can enjoy a museum exhibit or musical performance from the comfort of home.
You and your loved one can also enjoy a show at your local drive-in theatre from the safety of your own vehicle. In addition, many places that offer tours are now giving the option of drive-thru versions, allowing you to enjoy the experience while social distancing.
For those in the Waterloo region, the annual Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest Thanksgiving Day Parade will be held online this year.
If you’d like to learn how Senior Home Care by Angels can help your loved one enjoy Thanksgiving during these unprecedented times, contact your local office today.