How big of a holiday gathering are you planning this year? While your parents may want to see everyone, you do have to consider their safety and how much activity they can tolerate. As they age, they may tire easily and not have the energy for an all-day Christmas gathering. How do you figure out what is enough to make them happy without pushing them too much? Maybe having their elder care aides assist them would be helpful.

Here are the questions to ask them and other family members before you firm up the plans for this year.

Is Everyone Healthy?

You do need to consider if everyone is healthy. If your parents are vaccinated against pneumonia, the flu, and COVID, a larger gathering may be fine. You still have to consider any grandchildren who are not vaccinated, though. You might not want them exposed to the virus.

If people are exposed to the flu, a chest cold, or COVID, they need to agree to stay home and sit out the gathering. As tempting as it is to chance it, it’s not fair to others who are trying to avoid being ill.

How Active Are Your Parents?

How active are your parents? Can they handle a house full of people all day, or will it tire them out? If they’re okay having many people over, it’s important to help them get the house cleaned and prepare the food. They shouldn’t have to do all of the cooking.

Consider hiring a caterer to cook meals or have everyone bring a dish and make it a potluck dinner. That way, there’s plenty of food, and your parents don’t have to spend a lot of money on food and drinks for their guests.

Limit the gathering to a few hours if they tire easily. Or, consider having a smaller group that’s less overwhelming. If your dad is deaf and gets frustrated in a group, cut the guest list to immediate family only. Family friends can come on another day.

Pay Attention to Their Abilities and Consider Elder Care Services

Holiday gatherings are a great time to pay attention to the small indicators that your parents need help around the home. You’ve noticed your mom forgets to take her heart medications, and your dad struggles to walk up and down the stairs.

Address these changes with the family and talk about elder care. It’s an excellent time to discuss elder care benefits for your parents. Elder care aides can help out with daily activities and ensure they’re supported as they age at home. Call our elder care agency to schedule services.

If you or a loved one are considering Elder Care Services near Lebanon PA, contact the caring staff at Extended Family Care of Lancaster. Call today at (717) 205-2174.

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Stephen Sternbach

CEO at Extended Family Care Services

With over 35 years of experience, Stephen Sternbach has been the Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Extended Family Care Services since 1987. After the sale of the New York and New Jersey operations of Extended Family Care Services, Sternbach brought the company private where he remains President and CEO of this 40-million dollar company. With Sternbach at the helm, Extended Family Care Services employs more than 650 employees, in six offices throughout Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio and New York.

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