Canada Day festivities are approaching! It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the unofficial start of the summer vacation season!
Gathering with family and friends is an important part of maintaining your overall mental and physical health, particularly with your senior loved ones. Whether it's a summer BBQ at a family member's home, a road trip to your favourite destination or visiting a local event celebrating Canada's birthday, there are some tips to consider when planning your time together.
Canada Day is a special time to celebrate our beautiful country and all that it represents. It is also a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with our senior loved ones, especially those who may be in home care. Here are some tips on how to make Canada Day memorable and enjoyable for seniors.
Decorate the living space
One of the simplest ways to create a festive atmosphere is by decorating the living space. Hang up Canadian flags, put up red and white streamers, and display patriotic artwork. This will help set the mood and make the day feel special.
Plan a backyard picnic
If weather permits, consider planning a backyard picnic for your senior loved ones. Set up a cozy seating area with comfortable chairs and a table adorned with a red and white tablecloth. Prepare a delicious spread of traditional Canadian dishes like poutine, butter tarts, and maple syrup treats. Don't forget to include some refreshing beverages!
Enjoy Canadian music and entertainment
Music has a way of bringing people together and creating a festive ambiance. Create a playlist of Canadian songs, including classics and modern hits. Play the music throughout the day, and encourage your loved ones to sing along or even have a little dance party. Additionally, you can watch Canadian-themed movies or documentaries to learn more about the country and its history.
Engage in Canadian-themed activities
There are plenty of activities you can do to engage your senior loved ones in celebrating Canada Day. Consider organizing a trivia game focused on Canadian history and culture. You can also have a crafting session where you make Canadian-themed crafts like paper maple leaves or flags. These activities will not only be fun but also provide an opportunity for seniors to reminisce and share their own experiences.
Watch the fireworks together
Fireworks are a quintessential part of Canada Day celebrations. Find out if there are any local fireworks displays in your area and plan to watch them with your senior loved ones. If going out is not possible, you can still enjoy the fireworks from the comfort of home by watching televised displays or online videos. Make sure to have cozy blankets and snacks on hand to make it a memorable experience.
Share stories and memories
Canada Day is a great time to connect with your senior loved ones on a deeper level by sharing stories and memories. Ask them about their experiences growing up in Canada, their favorite memories of past Canada Day celebrations, or any significant moments they had in the country. It's a beautiful way to honor their lived experiences and create lasting memories together.
Practice inclusivity and accessibility
When planning your Canada Day celebrations, it's essential to consider the specific needs and abilities of your senior loved ones. Ensure that the activities and the environment are accessible and accommodating. If necessary, make adaptations or modifications to cater to their comfort and enjoyment. Remember, the goal is to make everyone feel included and valued.
Other Tips to Consider
Include your senior loved ones in planning the event
Be sensitive to your loved one's needs as this can be a stressful time
Stick to a specific schedule to honour their routines - including meals, medication, and sleep.
Skip the noisemakers and fireworks as they can startle and cause fear or uncertainty in older adults.
Have brunch instead for a more relaxing and time-sensitive gathering and opt out of the late evening festivities.
Have a sing-a-long with their favourite musicians and songs from the past.
Bring along comforting objects to create a sense of familiarity and to ease any anxiety. This may also include games, word puzzles or colouring books that they enjoy. Consider subscribing to our free monthly Senior Activity Booklet for ideas, here!
For loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's, plan for any unexpected or sudden discomfort at leaving their familiar home or community or when gathering with larger groups that may cause anxiety. This may include having to change your plans or venue and reassuring or redirecting their thoughts and actions to more positive and calming activities.
By following these tips, you can create a memorable and enjoyable Canada Day for your senior loved ones or those in home care. Celebrating together will not only strengthen your bond but also allow you to express gratitude for the beautiful country we call home. Happy Canada Day!
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