Valentine’s Day is more than a holiday for couples–it’s also a great reason to spend extra time with friends and family and show them how much you care. If you’re planning on visiting an older loved one in a senior living community this Valentine’s Day, here are some fun ideas for celebrating the holiday together.
Bring a thoughtful gift
Spread Valentine’s Day cheer by bringing your loved one a gift such as flowers, a framed family photograph, or even homemade baked goods. If you live too far away to visit, you can arrange flowers or gifts to be delivered to your loved one’s senior living community. Even a simple gesture such as a handwritten letter can brighten your loved one’s day.
Make a Valentine’s Day craft
For a simple and creative way to celebrate the holiday, consider making a Valentine’s Day craft with your older loved one. For example, bring along craft supplies like construction paper, glue sticks, markers, and stickers and spend the afternoon creating handmade Valentine’s Day cards to send to friends, family, or even caregivers in the senior living community.
Play a game together
Playing classic board games or cards is a fun, easy and social activity people of all ages can enjoy. Best of all, playing games can help older adults improve their cognitive skills and may even delay the onset of memory loss due to aging. Retirement communities have a variety of puzzles, board games, and cards available for residents and their visitors to use.
Share memories and stories
For some seniors, Valentine’s Day can serve as a bittersweet reminder of a spouse who has passed away. If this is the case, remind your older loved one that it’s okay to express their feelings. If they feel like recounting stories or memories, show interest and encourage them to share. Sometimes just looking at old photographs or listening to music can trigger fond memories and spark conversations about the past.
When it comes to celebrating Valentine’s Day with older loved ones in a senior living community, your time and presence can be the most meaningful gift of all.
