Memorial Day is a time to remember the sacrifice of those who came before us – so it’s no surprise that many choose to spend Memorial Day with elderly loved ones and relatives. There are now nearly 10 million American veterans of senior age. Even more seniors have lost friends or family members who have served. At Visiting Angels, our elder care providers know better than anyone how much Memorial Day means to so many of our clients.
“When you’re involved with elder care, it’s impossible not to be touched by the reverence and respect so many seniors have for our veterans,” says Visiting Angels President, Larry Meigs. “Getting to see that and be a part of it is one of the many small joys of elder care.”
Ideas for Memorial Day Elder Home Care Activities
There are many ways you can share Memorial Day with the elderly loved ones in your life. Memorial Day offers the chance for both outdoor, active and indoor more subdued activities.
Some ideas for Memorial Day activities that are compatible with elder care are:
- Visit Friends. With COVID restrictions relaxing you can visit and share memories and keep your mind at ease. For elderly loved ones, the chance to share and remember among friends can have a positive effect on their mental and emotional well being.
- Share memories. Memorial Day is about remembrance which is vital to many seniors. Encourage your loved one to explore their memories, relive their favorite memories with family and friends.
- Attend a Memorial Day parade. With COVID restrictions relaxing, we will be seeing hundreds of Memorial Day parades across the country. This is an excellent opportunity to remember our servicemen and servicewomen. It’s also a good chance to get your elderly loved one outside.
- Spend the day with family. Enjoy a family gathering and dinner. This allows you and your elderly loved one to spend quality time with those closest to you – the most important thing our veterans have sacrificed for.
- Raise the flag together. This can be a powerful and low key, way to remember those who sacrificed their lives for our county. Raising a flag is also an easy way to commemorate the holiday with an elderly loved one who may have limited mobility.
- Pay your respects. If your loved one has lost someone close to them in the line of service, this day is a good opportunity to pay quiet respects or leave a token at their grave site.
These are just some Memorial Day activities that can work with spending time with your elderly loved ones. , and we invite you to think up others. No matter how you and your family spends the holiday, take this holiday to remember and be grateful.