Senior Snippets – Give an older person some festive sparkle this Christmas
by Rachel A Kershaw
Welcome to Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Rachel Kershaw of Home Instead in Burnley.
Family, presents, and a festive spirit; that’s what Christmas looks like for many of us. But for some older people, it’s a difficult time and a reminder of how lonely and disconnected from the community they are.
As a care company that provides older people with a range of care in their own homes, we enjoy helping our clients get out and about in the community. But sadly, not all ageing adults are that fortunate, which means that when Christmas comes they don’t have fun activities to look forward to.
We can all do more to help the older people in our communities, and Christmas is a better time than ever. Making even the smallest gesture could go a long way and help them feel special.
Here are some ideas for you and your family to involve older people with your festive plans:
Surprise them with a festive visit
Pop by in your best Christmas jumper, bring some mince pies, and have a catch up. Ask them what their favourite Christmas tradition is; perhaps they always watch their favourite festive film? See whether they’d like to continue the tradition in your company.
Invite them round for Christmas dinner
Do you have an extra space at the Christmas dinner table? Why not invite an older person you know? Most of us make far too much food than we need, so it might not even mean extra effort or expense!
Drive them to see loved ones
Some older people have family and loved ones, but the difficulty lies in not being able to go and see them. Perhaps they don’t drive and there is no public transport? Ask them if there is someone they would like to visit.
Take them to a Christmas event
Whether it’s a carol concert or a Christmas lights switch on, many events in the run up to Christmas get us in the festive spirit. As the nights draw in, it’s easy for older people to lose motivation. Offer to take them to an exciting Christmas event to give them some Christmas sparkle.
Ask children to make them a gift
Nothing puts a smile on someone’s face like a gift or a handwritten note from a child. See if any children in your family can make some Christmas gifts – perhaps some homemade decorations? Or some festive biscuits? Maybe you could go even bigger and organise children at a local school to make gifts or cards for older locals?
A Christmas Carol taught us that this time of year is about charity. We want you to begin with the older people in the community!
We’re delighted to carry out our Be A Santa campaign to give everyone the chance to help others this Christmas.
At the following location:
Burnley Asda
We are collecting presents on the 9th of December, between 11 am and 2 pm, which will be given to ageing adults in need of some festive cheer. We’d love it if you could donate. For more information, please contact me by email:
enquiries.burnley@homeinstead.co.uk
Or by post to Home Instead:
Home Instead Burnley, Northbridge House, Elm Street, Burnley, BB10 1PD
Or call me on: 01282 911300
