Hosting a Senior-Friendly Thanksgiving at Home

Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for families to come together to connect, celebrate traditions, and have fun. With multiple generations gathering, hosting a senior-friendly Thanksgiving requires some extra planning to ensure everyone stays comfortable and enjoys themself. It's an important consideration for family caregivers who want to enjoy the holiday while making sure everyone feels supported.

With these tips for an inclusive holiday, you can plan a Thanksgiving that honors traditions without leaving any older loved ones out of the celebrations.

Prepare the space for the holiday

The first step for a senior-inclusive Thanksgiving celebration is accessibility. Start by assessing your home for any potential tripping hazards, like rugs or stray wires, and make sure the entryway is clear. For both accessibility and fall prevention, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Can the aging adults in your family manage any stairs?
• Is it necessary to clear pathways to the door (e.g., from snow or fallen leaves), or help them up the front steps?
• Do you need to set up good lighting in the main rooms they'll be sitting in?
• Can you offer them a chair with good back support, that isn't too low for them to stand up from?
• Which seat at the table should they have in order to be part of the conversation, easily reach the bathroom and have the space to move?

Seniors are often tasked with being the hosts of a big family Thanksgiving, even if they're not responsible for the primary setup and cooking for the event. Be sure to check in with older loved ones who have offered their home to the family ahead of the day to see if they'd like any extra support.

If you notice signs like expired food, untidy spaces, or other changes in how they keep their home, make a mental note. These can be a good indication that you may want to consider talking with your loved one about what other support they could benefit from, even beyond the holiday.

Make the menu senior-friendly

Thanksgiving comes with a menu of delicious traditional foods, but many of these dishes can be heavy or difficult for older people to digest. To avoid any issues, family caregivers can provide:

• Soft foods that are easy to chew and digest, such as roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes.
• Low-sodium or low-sugar variations of classic recipes, so that senior loved ones can enjoy their favorite dishes and desserts without complications.
• Alcohol-free drinks or mocktails so that everyone can still feel festive without worrying about the alcohol content of their drinks.
• Smaller portions for those who find big meals harder to manage.

Offering some of these alternatives allows older loved ones with special dietary needs to feel included in the feast without risking their comfort or health.

Consider any additional healthcare needs

With the whole family gathered together, the environment can become quite overwhelming for senior loved ones used to a quieter daily routine. Family caregivers can take steps ahead of time to maintain a festive atmosphere while making sure everyone is comfortable for the day. To keep things festive and respect your loved one's boundaries, there are a few steps you can take:

• If the TV is on, lower the volume so anyone hard of hearing can still engage in the conversation.
• Set up soft, consistent lighting at the table for those with vision impairment.
• Be mindful of medication times, and set reminders or alarms if necessary.
• If a loved one is living with dementia or Alzheimer's, take the time to be patient and communicate clearly while respecting any additional care needs they have.

It can also be easier for everyone to host at the senior's home if they would prefer to keep things familiar, or if they feel safer there. The key here is communication to understand what works best for your loved one and what other considerations you need to think about while planning your Thanksgiving.

Adjust the Thanksgiving Day schedule to match their routine

Caregivers who spend time with the aging adults in their family are best-equipped to understand their loved one's regular routine. Collaboration between caregivers and other family members will help make Thanksgiving Day plans work for everyone.

Some accommodations that might help seniors on the day could include an earlier dinner, breaks to recharge or nap, and a comfortable, quiet space to recharge when they need it.

Plan senior-friendly activities for the whole family

Thanksgiving isn't just dinner. Activities around the holiday can be opportunities for bonding for families. Try to include Thanksgiving crafts and activities for seniors in the mix. These ideas can be a great way for grandkids to bond with grandparents, or to get the whole family involved in something creative:

• Pumpkin painting
• Table decorating
• Thanksgiving-themed bingo
• Trivia and memory games
• A game of ‘this or that' with Thanksgiving foods
• Gratitude games: Have family members put what they're grateful for on a piece of paper and into a bowl, then take turns guessing who wrote what
• Create a gratitude tree with paper leaves that detail what everyone is grateful for

Keep the traditions that matter most

Classic Thanksgiving traditions are important for the whole family, including older loved ones. It's important to stay true to the heart of the holiday and factor any traditions into your planning.

It can be as simple as taking the time to go around the table and have the family share what they're most thankful for. Most families have their own special traditions as well, which should be honored. These traditions are especially meaningful when the entire family is together and feeling connected, so including them isn't just for seniors; it also helps the entire family feel the spirit of the holiday together.

Talk to loved ones ahead of the holiday

While preparing for Thanksgiving, reach out to extended family and guests to include them ahead of time. Mention any adjustments being made to support older loved ones in the group, and check in with what's important to them about the event.

A fun way to encourage participation is asking about any old family traditions, special recipes, or even to make a request for family stories to be shared on the day. Other fun preparation activities to share might include cooking, bringing a side dish, or helping to decorate the space.

Enjoy Thanksgiving with Support from Comfort Keepers^®

Making sure Thanksgiving gatherings consider and accommodate all your loved ones doesn't mean sacrificing beloved traditions or new fun. These thoughtful adjustments simply prioritize inclusivity and comfort for the whole family. At Comfort Keepers^®, we provide various types of in-home care that can help support seniors and their families throughout the holiday period, from Thanksgiving to Christmas and New Year.

Our care plans reflect each senior's routines, preferences, current abilities, and changing support needs. Contact your local Comfort Keepers team to learn more about the support we can provide for you and your family.