With now beginning the Easter long weekend, I am reminded how such holidays can be very different and challenging for family caregivers. Mom and/or Dad may not be able to partake in usual family celebrations and traditions may have to be changed. If you are planning a festive Easter dinner in your own home, you can still have Mom or Dad participate. You just have to remain mindful of a few issues.
Start Earlier: An aging parent will not have the same energy as younger members of the family. Therefore, set your table to begin an hour sooner ... there is no reason why you can't eat at 5:00 pm, rather than 6:00 pm. If you are worried about not being hungry, just eat a lighter lunch. By scheduling your dinner earlier, you will have more quality family time to follow - before Mom or Dad starts drifting off.
Clear the Pathways: When having an aging senior visit your home, it's crucial to clean up any clutter. Watch out specifically for any potential tripping hazards on the floor - these could include clothes, extension cords and/or toys. If Mom or Dad falls while visiting you, this could easily turn a family celebration into a family emergency.
Watch Out for Pets: While pets can provide unconditional love to a person, a smaller puppy (for example) can be overly exuberant. The animal's excessive jumping, playing and barking could easily startle or alarm a senior. As above, a small pet may also not recognize the need to move out of the way and could become another tripping hazard.
Supply a Change of Clothes for Mom/Dad: Whether being spilled food or something more serious, accidents can - and do - happen. By having some extra clothes on-hand (whether from Mom or Dad's closet or your own), you can better ensure that your parent remains as comfortable as possible.
By all means, please continue to involve Mom or Dad in your own holidays but consider various adaptations. Happy Holidays!
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