The COVID-19 pandemic has been extremely difficult for most of us, but especially for older adults who are living in nursing homes or assisted living facilities and for those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. Here we provide some suggestions to help make the holidays special with thoughts on gift-giving, how to handle special diets, tips for reducing loneliness and other topics below.
Giving the Gift of Food and Nutrition
Becky Dorner & Associates
When some people think of “holiday food”, nutrition is the last consideration, but gifts of food can have a lasting and meaningful impact on an older adult’s nutritional status and daily life. Consider a few options for healthy food gifts, such as monthly food clubs, food baskets and more.
Should Older Adults Ditch the Diet for the Holiday Season?
Becky Dorner & Associates
Holidays can be a challenging time for older adults. We often get questions from people on therapeutic diets: “How strictly do I have to follow my diet during the holiday?” “Can I enjoy some of my favorite foods?” “Is it OK to ditch my diet and take a ‘diet holiday’”? Get help answering these questions here.
The Holidays and Alzheimer’s During COVID-19
Alzheimer’s Association
People living with Alzheimer’s disease may feel an extra sense of loss during the holidays with the changes that are happening, especially in the midst of a global pandemic. Get tips on providing safe and special care to older, at-risk individuals this holiday season.
Tips for Reducing Loneliness in Elders During the Holidays
AgingCare
Isolation can make the holidays hard for anyone, especially since most of us have been rather distanced since the start of the pandemic. Feelings of isolation or depression may be even more likely in older adults who are experiencing changes to their health and who are away from friends and family. Get tips on reducing loneliness during the holidays here.
