Try to involve them in the activities that make the holidays special, whether it's decorating the house together, baking their favorite holiday treats, or just sitting down to share stories and memories from past holidays. These shared moments give them a sense of belonging and remind them that they are an important part of the family. If they can't physically join in, you can still make them feel included by sending photos or videos of the holiday preparations. Whether it's a video of the family decorating the tree or a photo of your freshly baked cookies, these small gestures can make them feel connected to the festivities. You could also try setting up a video call while you decorate or cook, so they can still feel like a part of the festivities even from afar.
Think about shared experiences. If you can't be there in person, send them a puzzle or a game you can do together over video. It gives you both something to talk about and enjoy. The holidays are all about coming together and "doing something" collectively. And so you basically want to recreate this feeling with fun activities. Cooking the same recipe together over video is also a hit. It's fun and keeps them engaged. And we also have a bunch of tools that let you stream movies together. You could have a virtual movie night where you pick a film, hit play at the same time, and chat during or after the movie. It feels like you're hanging out together, even if you're miles apart.
Chairman at CalltheCare
Answered a year ago
Probably the best thing a person can do to help families in such situations is to make sure regular check-ins are made through calls or video chats. Participation in holiday activities and traditions remains very important, even when these need to be virtual or slimmed down to smaller gatherings. Organizing holiday activities around their interests, such as sending personalized cards or sharing a meal through video calls, can go a long way. Friends, neighbors, or caregivers can be invited for visits, which, during this time of year, would especially be appreciated. Such interactions will keep a family from experiencing any feeling of isolation and allow their loved one to feel included and needed.
During the holidays, it's important to keep elderly loved ones engaged to prevent feelings of loneliness. My family arranges regular calls or video chats, especially if we can't meet in person. This helps them feel involved and keeps communication open. Sending handwritten cards or small gifts can also make a significant difference, reminding them they are loved. Inviting them to participate in holiday activities, such as baking or decorating, helps them stay connected. Small gestures of inclusion can brighten their spirits.
Families can schedule weekly video calls where different members share recent updates or holiday activities, keeping loved ones involved in everyday life. Another thoughtful gesture is to create a "holiday box" filled with items like photos, handwritten notes, and favorite treats, which provides comfort and sparks joy. Organizing small family gatherings, even virtually, around shared activities like baking or watching a holiday movie helps seniors feel engaged and valued.
Make a Holiday Video With Family and Friends. If you're looking for a creative way to pass on holiday cheer to an older loved one who may be feeling lonely, make a holiday video with holiday messages from family and friends. You might not be able to have huge gatherings, but you could connect them all via virtual meetings. Ask family, friends, and anyone else close to your loved one to record a short, touching video message. You can send holiday wishes, childhood memories or even holiday music. After putting the videos together, create a video montage of them all and send it to your loved one. Schedule a Window Visit An even better way to stay in touch during the holidays is to schedule a window visit. This works particularly well if your old one is in an assisted living or nursing home, though can also be done for someone living on their own. It's important to work with the hospital or a caregiver so your loved one is familiar and informed about the visit beforehand. Make the window visit special by bringing gifts that will make you feel happy, such as a favorite Christmas photo album or a special souvenir. During the visit, you can chat on the phone and tell them stories about your holiday past. This will make them feel more involved, but it will also make them think of good times and this will be enough to get them out of a negative mood.
As a channel marketing leader with experience in product storytelling and campaign execution, I understand the power of communication tools to bring people closer, especially during holidays. One solution I've seen effective is leveraging platforms that offer real-time collaboration and communication. For example, SkySwitch's ReachUC client provides easy-to-use cloud voice services, which can be set up on smartphones or tablets. These allow elderly loved ones to effortlessly stay in touch with their families via voice or video calls, ensuring they never feel isolated. Scheduling regular call times helps create a sense of routine and anticipation. You can simulate daily check-ins or holiday gatherings virtually. With my background in unified communications, I've noticed that when families use platforms integrated with convenient features like video conferencing, they bridge emotional distances. For instance, using SkySwitch's Meeting Manager tool can host family calls, where everyone can be part of the conversation, be it for Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas morning. Moreover, an often overlooked but impactful way is to encourage family members to share their hobbies or talents in small virtual sessions. It could be a grandchild playing the piano or sharing a craft session. This not only keeps elderly loved ones connected but also actively involves them, keeping loneliness at bay through active participation.
As a sales leader in the communications industry, I've seen how our technology can bridge the gap between people who are separated by distance, including elderly family members. SIP trunking services, like those offered by Sip.US, enable seamless phone and video communications over the internet. This allows families to easily connect with their elderly loved ones, making it simple to incorporate video calls into daily routines. One practical solution is to equip elderly family members with a device that's SIP-ready, such as a tablet or smartphone, and ensure they're comfortable using video call apps. During holiday seasons, set scheduled "virtual visits" so that your loved one can look forward to calls, much like expecting a physical visit. Additionally, these communications tools can be integrated with existing platforms like Microsoft Teams. This makes it easier for not only families but also community groups or clubs that your elderly loved ones might be part of, to organize digital gatherings during the holidays. It keeps them engaged and connected to their usual social circles, alleviating feelings of loneliness.
Care packages are a thoughtful and meaningful way to show love and support to elderly loved ones, especially during the holidays when they might feel isolated or lonely. These packages can include a variety of items that cater to their interests and needs, such as homemade treats that bring back cherished memories, photos that capture special family moments, personalized gifts that reflect their unique personality, and handwritten letters that convey heartfelt sentiments. By sending these care packages, we provide a physical reminder that they are cherished and valued by their family, offering a sense of connection and warmth that can brighten their day and make the holiday season more joyful.