How to Support Elderly Neighbours at Christmas
Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year; we are joyful, and we decorate and plan family activities. For many older people, this might also be the time they are reminded of their loved ones who are not with them anymore and those who might live far away, a time when they might feel useless and alone now that their children have left the house and are busy with their own families.
Do you have elderly neighbours in a similar situation who might face mobility issues, deal with grief, or are unable to see their children and grandchildren this Christmas? Here is how you can support them:
Offer a visit
Living next door or close by offers the possibility of visiting and some companionship during the festive season. Ask your elderly neighbours if they would enjoy some company. Making time to chat over a coffee or simply listen can go a long way and will make the other feel appreciated.
If they are uncomfortable having a visitor, you may call to check in or send a nice card or letter to let them know someone is thinking of them during this time.
Decorate together
We all know how Christmas lights and some decorations can brighten up our day and make us feel warm inside. Your elderly neighbours might enjoy some decorations around their homes but not have the energy or physical capability to put them up. You can offer to help them set up a tree or put some lights in their windows for them to feel cheerful – let them know you will also be there to put the decorations down after Christmas, so they won’t need to worry about this.
If your elderly neighbours like being around children and you happen to have kids, turn the decorating into an activity with Christmas music in the background for everyone to enjoy.
Help with the shopping
Grocery shopping during the festive season can feel overwhelming, let alone buying presents for loved ones. You can offer your elderly neighbours assistance with stocking up by getting some things for them on your next trip to the supermarket or store or giving them a ride and doing some shopping together, especially when they suffer from declining energy and mobility issues—they might not be comfortable asking for help.
Share recipes
Once the shopping is done, there is an excellent opportunity to cook and share a meal to beat the feeling of loneliness. Your elderly neighbours might be willing to share their favourite Christmas recipes with you and be happy if you share yours. Baking Christmas cookies is a favourite activity during the festive season for old and young and allows for spending quality time together and getting creative. The smell of gingerbread men will bring about the festive mood, which is an excellent opportunity to make new Christmas memories.
Help to stay connected
Being there for your elderly neighbours now and then during the festive season is great, but they might still crave some more company and things to do. Check what church groups and family centres offer during the holidays in your locality. By joining a group activity, your elderly neighbours can meet others and maybe even find new friends of similar age to exchange experiences and feel connected.
The Christmas time usually offers many fun things, such as Christmas markets. You might have your elderly neighbour join you in exploring these. Do you know an elderly person who is looking for company? You might become a Christmas matchmaker by introducing your grandparents to your elderly neighbours, for example.
Small gifts and gestures
If you cannot offer your elderly neighbours the gift of time, you might wish to provide meaningful gestures such as a handmade card they can keep, a collection of your favourite Christmas songs, a book/journal, or a puzzle to fill their time and make them smile this festive season. It’s the little things in life that bring lots of joy and remind us that we are not alone.
If you think that you can benefit from professional support on this issue you can reach out here.
Franziska Richter is a transcultural counsellor with the Willingness Team, offering counselling sessions to individuals and couples. She is particularly interested in sexuality, relationship issues, trauma and general mental health.
References
https://www.raq.org.au/blog/10-ways-help-lonely-seniors-christmas
