During a month that is centered on love and kindness, pay it forward to those who need to most – our seniors. February is about making our loved ones feel special, seen, and appreciated. Don’t let distance get in the way of you making your favorite senior feel that way.
Here are some ideas to show them some love this month:
1. Virtual Dinner Date
Use GrubHub, DoorDash, UberEats or another service near you to deliver their favorite treat right to their door! Make a date of it and share the meal or treat with them virtually.
2. Homemade Valentines from Friends and Family
Have friends and family make old school valentines and deliver them in a box or gift bag with their favorite candy to the front desk. You can also make these for the entire senior community if the kids need an after-school project! Simply leave the names off the cards.
3. Assemble a Hobby Box
Create a way for your senior to make their own valentines to put in their neighbor’s mailboxes or give to their favorite staff members. If you know that your senior resident loves to be creative, this could be a healthy outlet for them during these stressful times.
4. Order a Jig-Saw Puzzle – Of Your Family!
Head on over to Walgreens.com, Walmart.com, or your favorite online photo service to order your custom photo jig-saw puzzle for your senior to work on for hours. The finished product is sure to make them smile. Keeping the mind active and engaged is crucial for the healthy senior lifestyle especially in times of social isolation. Puzzles are a great way to keep the mind sharp!
5. Set Up a Weekly Check-In
Whether it be a short bible study, a book club, or simply a time to chat via Facetime, Skype, Zoom or another platform (see our blog on connecting your senior with technology) where they can see you smile will mean the world to them. If a phone call is easier, mailing them recent photos of you and the rest of the family (holiday updates, selfies, dog photos, etc.) would be a great alternative. We all love receiving fun snail mail that isn’t a bill, right? This weekly talk is a great way to check in on your senior’s mental health, how they are feeling and allow them to feel heard.
Imagine what a difference it would make if every person did just one of these actions for just one person living in a senior living community this month. Do you accept our challenge? Let’s not limit ourselves to Random Acts of Kindness Day or Valentine’s Day this February, let’s show our senior residents love all month long.
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