By Erin Denstaedt, Certified Senior Advisor at Concierge Care Advisors
Valentine’s Day; it’s all about love and romance. The special attention showered upon us each February 14th evokes the warm feelings we felt when we first fell in love. For many seniors however, this day of love can be just another day, or worse, a day of increased loneliness and sorrow. It can be difficult for seniors who have lost their spouse, especially on the one holiday of the year that is meant to celebrate that love. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a day of sorrow for the senior in your life as there are ways you can share the love and turn the holiday into a celebration among your families.
Decorate together
Making your loved one’s home more festive can be a fun and easy way to get into the holiday spirit and make the day special. There are many different and inexpensive decorations you can buy, or even make on your own or with your loved one to make them feel special (remember making those valentine paper cutouts and leaving the sugar hearts for your classmates in school?
Bake together
Valentine’s Day goes hand in hand with treats, and what better way to celebrate than by making cookies or other sweets together? Of course, you’ll make both your favorites, and have the added benefit of being able to eat the treats you make and enjoy them together.
Scrapbooking
Who doesn’t like reliving old memories? It can be bittersweet for your loved one to look through all the old pictures of their partner, but it can also bring back the great memories they made together. The purpose isn’t to make them sad, of course; but to remember the good times! Once you get going, you’ll find there are plenty of laughs and good memories while strolling down memory lane together.
Watch a romantic movie or rom-com together
Watching a romantic classic or comedy is a great way to spend time together and there are many classics to choose from.
Take a special outing together
Visiting a local attraction together can be a fun way to make some memories. If your senior loved one needs assistance with mobility, make sure you choose somewhere that can accommodate them.
Continue a tradition, or make a new one
Your loved one may have had an old tradition with their partner on Valentine’s Day that they miss and that you can help continue. Maybe they went out to eat or went on a walk through the park together. Whatever it is, ask if they would like to carry on the tradition with you.
Be there
The most important part of spending Valentine’s Day with your loved one is to be there for them. The best gift you can give them is your time and presence. You have the potential to turn a bad day into a great one, and having someone to share the day with will give them something to look forward to, instead of potentially dreading the holiday.
Any of these ideas will make Valentine’s Day special for your loved one, so pick one, (or more) and go visit your loved one and start a new and special tradition!
