Christmas is a time to celebrate family and traditions, but for many older adults the festive season can be a period of isolation or stress – especially for those people who live alone or face mobility and health challenges.
Ensuring that elderly loved ones feel cared for and included during the festive period is essential, and homecare at Christmas can make all the difference. Providing compassionate Christmas care and support allows older relatives to enjoy the festive season safely, comfortably, and with dignity.
Why Homecare at Christmas Matters
For many families, the festive season means changes to routine with more visitors, travel plans, and busier schedules – all of which can make it harder to keep up with day-to-day care needs.
For some people who rely on support with their care needs, these disruptions can lead to confusion or anxiety. Having a consistent Christmas care plan in place ensures they continue receiving the support they need while still experiencing the warmth and magic of the festive season.
Professional carers, who provide domiciliary care at Christmas, offer both practical and emotional help. They can assist with personal care, meal preparation, and medication reminders, while also being a friendly face to share conversation and companionship.
At Wisteria Care, we strongly believe in building genuine relationships, taking the time to find out about someone’s likes and dislikes and ensuring we take care of the person’s wellbeing as well as their physical care needs.
Indeed, our carers understand the importance of traditions and so they are happy to help decorate your loved ones’ home, prepare festive meals, listen to music, or sit down for a chat over a cup of tea and a mince pie.
How to Support Older Relatives At Home
Arranging homecare at Christmas allows people with care needs to celebrate in the comfort of their own surroundings. Staying at home means being surrounded by familiar sights, smells, and memories, which is especially important for those living with dementia.
If you are sharing your loved ones’ care needs with domiciliary carers, then talk to them about what festive traditions your family has. Hanging Christmas lights or placing ornaments around the home can be a lovely, shared activity. Preparing traditional foods is also a great way to bring Christmas into the home and a favourite recipe or the smell of mince pies baking can evoke cherished memories.
If you aren’t able to be with your loved one during the Christmas holidays, then our carers can help older relatives use technology to make video calls or write messages. Through this kind of tailored Christmas care, elderly individuals not only receive essential support, but also feel part of the celebrations in meaningful ways.
Here are some tips to help you plan homecare at Christmas for your loved one:
– Plan early. Coordinate with care providers to confirm schedules and ensure no gaps in support. Arrange shopping, prescriptions, and meals ahead of time.
– Keep familiar routines. Sudden changes to a person’s daily routines can be unsettling. Try to maintain consistent mealtimes, bedtime, and activities.
– Share Christmas traditions. Whether it’s writing cards, wrapping gifts, or watching a Christmas film together.
– Encourage social connection. Loneliness can be particularly acute at this time of year. Plan visits from friends, neighbours, and carers, providing valuable companionship. Where possible, arrange trips to a café, a pub, or do a bit of Christmas shopping or some carol singing. At Wisteria Care we work with an individual’s capabilities rather than their limitations, encouraging them to maintain their independence wherever possible.
– Seek professional support. If your loved one needs care support, arranging domiciliary care at Christmas ensures they receive reliable assistance while remaining in the comfort of their home.
If you’re unsure about how to support older relatives at home, don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for professional support. At Wisteria Care we provide professional care that meets your loved ones’ needs with dignity and kindness.
Choosing the Right Christmas Care
The best homecare providers understand care is about more than practical support – it’s about preserving independence, providing companionship, and looking after an individual’s wellbeing.
Ask potential Christmas care providers about their festive holiday cover, the continuity of carers, and how they incorporate seasonal touches into their care routines. Good communication and planning are key, especially if your family has travel plans or your loved one has specific medical or dietary requirements.
By blending practical support with emotional warmth, domiciliary care at Christmas allows older adults to enjoy the season safely and happily in their own homes, ensuring this Christmas brings comfort, joy, and connection to every generation.