Tips for Making Last-Minute Holiday Shopping Fun and Safe for Your Elderly Loved One
Senior Care in Evanston IL
The holidays are just around the corner, which means that many people are thinking about last-minute shopping. Whether you have done most of your shopping and just need a few more things, 
or have not even gotten started yet, getting out to handle shopping in the last weeks and days leading up to the holiday can be a fun and exciting way to spend time with your elderly parent. It can also be challenging and stressful, however, which makes it essential that you take the time to plan and prepare, and then use careful strategies and tips to make this experience fun, safe, and healthy for everyone involved.
Use these tips to help you make last-minute holiday shopping fun, safe, and healthy for your aging parent this season:
- Make lists. Avoid the urge to just head out and do whatever strikes you while shopping. This can lead to long, overwhelming, and frustrating days, and the possibility of missing people or gifts. Instead, take the time to sit down with your aging parent and make lists of who needs gifts and what types of gifts that you should purchase so that you can better organize your outing.
- Pack carefully. Do not head out on your shopping adventure empty-handed. Pack a bag with snacks, water, a first aid kit complete with over the counter medications and remedies, extra socks, lip balm, tissues, lotion, breath mints, simple forms of entertainment, and other items your parent might need throughout the day to stay comfortable and healthy.
- Prepare for a longer trip. Do not assume you will be back at the house at a specific time. You cannot predict Christmas shopping crowds or traffic, and may end up being gone for hours longer than you anticipate. Bring along any medications that your parent might need to take, even if you think that you will be home when they should take them, as well as items such as a change of clothing, blankets, and an emergency kit to prepare you for anything that might happen.
Starting senior care for your aging parent during the holiday season is a fantastic way to help them enjoy this special time of year to its fullest while also ensuring that their needs are properly met. The highly personalized services of a senior care provider are designed to address your senior’s challenges, limitations, and needs, as well as their personality, lifestyle, and goals. This means that they are able to stay healthy, comfortable, safe, happy, and engaged, while also maintaining as much independence and activity as possible throughout the season. A senior care provider can also ensure that when you must turn more of your attention to other obligations, such as caring for your children or hosting celebrations and events, you can still feel confident that they will get all of the care, support, and assistance that they need. From helping the handle their shopping and wrapping to keeping them participating in events and celebrations in the ways that are right for them, this care provider can make a tremendous difference for your aging parent and for you throughout the holidays and beyond.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Evanston, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
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