Remember the elderly this festive season by making it memorable for them too
The are many different ways for you to put a smile on an elderly person's face this festive season whether it be a visit or planning a Christmas party
POLOKWANE – The festive season can be one of the loneliest times for the elderly living at old age homes.
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Many feel abandoned at this time of the year but there are ways to help our grannies and grandpa’s feel special this festive season:
1. Volunteer to help with preparations for Christmas, this can be with the cooking or setting up Christmas decorations. It will be refreshing to have young and new faces in the home but it also makes them feel included in the festive cheer.
2. Spend time with them, you don’t have to offer anything, just bring yourself and a conversation starter. You’d be surprise how much they miss interaction with people from outside the home who brings a different energy into the place.
3. Join organisations like The Association for the Aged (Tafta) and Age-in Action that work with the elderly, especially during the festive season as they will know exactly where there is a need and how you can make an impactful contribution.
4. Bring together friends who will dress up as different Christmas characters and visit the old age home. Never mind that majority of them no longer believe in Santa Claus and elfs but the thought of being remembered at that time of the year is enough to warm the coldest of hearts.
5. Plan a Christmas party for the elderly. This does not have to be anything fancy, just bring music, appropriate snacks and drinks, then the party is ready to roll. Bring a few young people who will help create the right vibe to get the party going.
