New Year's Eve is almost here! Like any other holiday, it is one in which your elderly loved one might wish to take part. Of course, on this site, we are talking about elders who are usually requiring some level of caregiving. If your loved one doesn't need caregiving help at home or in a facility, then its likely they are making their own celebration plans! (But still, check in and ask!)
So maybe you are wondering; "Well, if I've included my loved one in all the other holidays, what is different about this one?"
And of course, the answer depends on what type of celebrations you are considering as well as your loved one. There isn't a right or wrong answer, but here are some things to consider before planning, so that everyone can be safe and have fun.
Two Things to Consider
The first and most important thing to consider before deciding is the health of your loved one. There are two aspects to consider.
1. Unlike other holidays, New Year's is something that can't be moved to any convenient time of the day. Staying up til midnight requires stamina even from younger people.
2. Its cold. And a lot of celebrations are outside, even if it's just for a few minutes.
So you have to ask yourself, is staying up late something your loved one can do? Is it something they would want to do? If they have a very rigid daily schedule this could affect them negatively for a day or two afterwards. Whenever someone might be eating or sleeping at a different time than usual, you have to be sure that it won't disrupt their medication schedules.
As for weather, that depends on what your planned even is. If it is just a family party in the living room with snacks, watching the ball drop on television, then temperature won't matter. Or maybe there is something local going on? If that is the case, take weather conditions into account. Will most of it be indoors? All outdoors? Will you need to travel far? What will the roads be like? Prepare accordingly.
Holidays and Dementia
What about the elder loved one with dementia or confusion? This is a tough question that really only you and your loved one can answer. If your loved one understands what the holiday is, and wants to take part, then that's great.
But with more advanced stages of dementia, a person might say yes and even be eager, only to forget later and become very confused or agitated. Again, this might be fine in your home, with just family around, but could become overwhelming in large crowds or unfamiliar places.
New Year's is a noisy holiday too. There might be fireworks, noisemakers, horns, bells, cheering, screaming, singing, and sirens. All of these loud sounds suddenly surrounding your loved one could be very frightening and traumatizing!
Taken into consideration how your loved one reacts to things like crowds, noises, strange places and changes in routine. You might feel that you are doing the right thing for them by spending as much time as possible with them, and including them in as many important moments as you can--but its not going to be fun for them, or a kindness, if it causes them a large amount of stress and fear.
Tips for a Good Holiday with Your Elderly Loved One
If you've decided this is something your elderly loved one would not want to miss, and plan to celebrate the new year in together, here are a few tips to make it easier, safer and better.
1. Plan for the Medical Supplies
Just make a quick list of what your loved one will need while they are with you. If they require a wheelchair or mobility aid, be sure plan for transporting it if you will be going out somewhere.
Also account for any medication they might need, such as insulin. If they have a special diet plan, review it in your head or make a note. This way they can enjoy party fare as well without consequences.
Alcohol is a huge part of New Year's Eve parties. Be absolutely certain you know whether your loved one can or cannot have a drink (due to health or medication reasons). You might have to keep a watchful eye during the party so that no accidents occur.
2. Plan for the Weather
Going out for evening? If you are in a cold location, be sure your loved one is dressed warmly. The basics are always layered clothing, thick socks, gloves, hats and a windproof coat. It may sound odd, but consider throwing an extra pair of socks in the bag, just in case you are walking through snow or step in accidental puddles.
Also consider taking a blanket (or a few). Blankets are cozy in the car, and for anyone who cannot move around frequently to help warm themselves up.
3. Plan for the Noise
If your loved one does have dementia or gets agitated in certain situations, but will still be with you, come up with ideas for how to deal before you get your venue. If they are agitated, will you be able to walk take them to quiet space or outside until they calm down?
Will you be able to leave early if needed? Will you have help (such as another relative?) Does your loved one have some item that they like to use that soothes them (such as a sensory or fidget device?)
Sometimes just paying attention is all you need. Being able to lean in quickly and say something like "Do you want to hold my hand? There are going to be loud fireworks in a minute." can help.
4. Vision and Hearing Issues?
Also please remember that people who do not have dementia, but who have hearing loss or are vision impaired may also become anxious and seem "lost". When someone cannot hear or see well, it can be confusing, especially if there are directions or an announcement that they might have missed.
Please communicate to a loved one with vision or hearing impairment what is currently happening. "We are all going to walk in there now to watch." or "We will need to get in that line for our refreshments."
5. Be Safe Out There
You've heard it before. Drive safe and be weather aware. If you will have your elderly loved one with you on New Year's Eve and you are travelling, it might be a good idea to have an emergency bag along for the ride. Aside from medications (mentioned above), you might want to include any necessary documents, ID or insurance information for your loved one, just in case of an accident or if they become suddenly ill.
Other things you could include might be some water and snacks, just in case you have to spend a long time stuck in traffic or otherwise waiting in your vehicle.
6. But What About In My Home?
Its always far easier to plan things in your own home, where you don't have to worry about surprises from weather or other people. But that doesn't mean there aren't some safety things to consider. If your loved one doesn't live with you, you may not have your house safety proofed full time. I think we covered some holiday safety tips in a previous Christmas article, but I will list a few top ones again.
As always, how much you need to do depends on your loved one's individual needs:
- Remove throw rugs. These are some of the most risky trip hazards.
- Tuck power cords behind furniture. Again, a trip risk
- Make sure heaters and fireplaces have screens or are monitored
- Create a clear safe area without sharp corners and edges. (or add padding, if possible)
- Make sure there is a safe path for a walkers or wheelchairs if needed
- Make sure outside steps are de-iced.