Shopping is a big part of the holiday season and is an activity that really can be a lot of fun – even for senior citizens. Over the next few weeks, most of us will make many trips to the shops and malls (and online websites) searching for gifts, holiday outfits, cards and groceries that are essential for a fun and festive Christmas and Hanukkah. Seniors enjoy this process as well and appreciate being included – especially when shopping trips are planned with them in mind. Here are a few easy ways to do that:
- Help seniors make a list (and check it twice) – It is always a good rule to be prepared before heading out to the mall to know what you are looking for and how much you are willing to spend. Offer to help seniors write down what they want or need to buy and then focus on going to stores that most likely will have what they want. You may need to help seniors track what they have purchased and what they have spent.
- Shop early and during the week – Malls and smaller shopping centers are least crowded during times when most people are at work or at school. Take advantage of this by timing your trip to start well before noon and try to end right before (or perhaps after) lunch. Shopping can tire anyone out so keep it short and maybe take two or three trips before Christmas to break up the chore.
- Take advantage of gift-wrapping services – Many stores or malls have free or low-cost gift wrapping during the holidays. Seniors who may have some physical limitations may appreciate having this job handled by someone else. Just be sure to label each box immediately and keep track of what is in each wrapped box so you don’t forget anything when the big day arrives!
See the sights – While you are out and about with a senior citizen, be sure to make one or two stops simply to enjoy some holiday decorations and perhaps some caroling. Malls and downtown spaces are often dressed up early in the season and offer special touches such as singing, music and cocoa.- Take a virtual shopping trip – If the weather or illness get in the way of a trip to the mall, online shopping is the way to go! Help seniors safely shop online by navigating to only trusted and secure websites, finding online coupons and discount codes, and helping them take advantage of things such as free gift wrap and shipping. Most importantly, help them through the payment process so you know it’s done correctly and securely. If seniors do not have a credit card or do not want to put their credit information online, offer to pay for them and let them write you a check. It is best to do all online shopping before December 10, so you are certain
packages arrive well before Christmas. - If the senior citizen lives in a retirement or assisted living community, be sure to check the activity calendar to see if they are hosting any in-house craft fairs, bazaars, or other events that might be good for holiday gift or clothes shopping. These types of events are the most convenient and are usually a lot of fun (with plenty of cocoa, music and friendship).
Holiday shopping with seniors can be fun and enjoyable – and can add to all the wonder of the season!
For a private tour of The Saybrook at Haddam or its Safe Harbor memory care neighborhood, please fill out the form below or contact David Downey at 860-345-3779.
Some residents head out for their Thanksgiving meals with friends and family – carrying on their own traditions. Some stay local and others travel to meet up with loved ones. This change of pace to their daily routines and the change of scenery often adds to the excitement of the season. Our wellness team is happy to help residents prepare for travel if needed by organizing medicines or sending along any other health-related information. This helps ensure time away with family is stress-free and more enjoyable for all.
Have kids put their many questions into a basket or jar and pass around the table for everyone – including grandparents – to take a turn picking out a question and sharing an answer. You could have someone video tape the conversation to add to your family history and archives (and perhaps to share on social media).
For residents who stay at The Saybrook at Haddam over the holidays, we offer plenty of entertainment and activities to set the tone for a wonderful holiday season. We always open our community to friends, family and other visitors to share their time with us – and stay for a chef-prepared meal. We do have two private dining rooms for families to host small meals. Simply talk with our kitchen staff to make reservations and arrangements. And, we have our Country Kitchen which is available any time of day to do some of your own baking. The ideas are endless, so bring your best ones to us and let us help you make the holidays a wonderful time for the senior citizens in your life – and for all!