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Celebrating New Year's With the Elderly




How do you cheer in the new year when you are a caregiver? I asked a few people how they plan to party this holiday season, without leaving the house. Here are some of their great ideas:


1. Party at My House


Kelli Says: We used to go to a friend's house every New Year's. Now we plan to invite them over here. It will be low-key, with snacks, appetizers, and music. Then we will watch the ball drop on television and share some resolutions. We even have a few easy party games planned that Mom can take part in.


2. Keeping Up a Family Tradition


Jim Says: Our town has a small fireworks display at the lake for New Year's. We've always bundled up and gone to watch, This year will be the same. We will all bundle up and get cozy in the van, where we can park and see the fireworks from inside. Later we will drink hot chocolate and share stories about our favorite memories of the year. This includes sitting down with my mom and going through photo albums.


3. Hiring a Sitter


 Terry Says: We have an arrangement with a friend who will be sitting with dad while we go to a company party. She and dad will watch the ball drop while having popcorn and later they will watch a movie or work on puzzles. He loves having someone new to talk to!


4: Time Capsule

Judy Says: New Year's a special family time for us. We give small gifts, have a nice dinner, do the countdown, then make a time capsule for the year. After midnight, we open last year's time capsule and see how our year lived up to our expectations. Last year, my mother-in-law put that she wanted to be able to walk again, and after months of therapy, she succeeded. It will be a great accomplishment to celebrate!

 5. One to Grow On

Every year we go to my mother's house. She is a caregiver for my dad, whose birthday falls on New Year's Eve. So the celebration will include a birthday cake and a special cake for the New Year, She hides a small trinket in the cake, and whoever finds it has good luck that grows all year.


Happy New Year, From Elder Care Issues Blog!

I hope you have a safe, wonderful holiday. Don't forget to include the elderly, and remember that the new year holds many wonderful mysteries and surprises for all.

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