How To Enrich the Lives of Senior Citizens During a Socially-Distanced Christmas

The holidays are a time to come together to enjoy the company of loved ones. Unfortunately, COVID-19 and public health concerns have prevented people from being able to safely gather together —especially those who are immunocompromised, like many seniors. However, this does not mean that seniors will have to skip out on the 2020 holiday season festivities. Here are some ways that you can help senior citizens safely enjoy a socially-distanced Christmas.

Go Digital This Holiday

Utilizing technology is a great way to get connected with the seniors in your life this holiday season. Fortunately, digital communication technology has made impressive advancements during the COVID-19 pandemic. And while some seniors may have difficulty with technology, there are many resources they can reference to manage their smartphones or other devices. Here are some ways to connect with a senior while observing social-distancing guidelines:

• Set up a video call with applications like Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype
• Schedule a synchronous holiday-movie night with programs like Teleparty
• Host a virtual game night

Share and Revisit Past Memories

Everyone loves looking through documentation of old memories. Another way to help seniors connect with their families could be to provide them with pictures and videos from previous holidays. If your senior is good with technology, consider sending them a montage of old videos or a digital collage of pictures through a photo-hosting application or on social media. If they prefer more tangible objects, you can gift them a scrapbook or photo album. This will not only provide the senior in your life with great memories to revisit during the holiday season, but it is also a thoughtful and memorable gift.

Stuff a Stocking for a Senior

This season, you can brighten the holidays for a senior who otherwise might not receive a gift by donating Stockings for Seniors sponsored by SeniorsFirst. The organization is asking for “male” and “female” labeled stockings stuffed with select items off their SeniorsFirst Wish List. Items include:

• Shampoo
• Lotion
• Deodorant
• Razors
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfecting wipes

Download our list of ideas on useful items for assisted living residents.

Stockings for Seniors can be dropped off by December 7, 2020, at several Orlando locations including Encore at Avalon Park.

Holidays at Encore at Avalon Park

At Encore at Avalon Park, we are committed to ensuring that our seniors will be able to enjoy the holidays under any circumstance. To make our residents’ Christmas wishes come true, we are asking families and volunteers to stop by Encore before December 1 to pick up a personalized ornament that lists the Christmas wishes of our community seniors and return their wrapped gift by December 7.

Your thoughtful gift will make this difficult year-end on a bright note for our beloved seniors as they open their presents surrounded by the festive backdrop of our holiday decorations.

With social and recreational activities and holiday festivities to enjoy, Encore at Avalon Park is truly dedicated to the joy and comfort of your senior loved one. That is why we are ranked as one of the best assisted living communities in the Central Florida area.

When choosing a community for the senior in your life, consider Encore at Avalon Park. For more information or to schedule a virtual tour, call us today at 407-270-7500.