The holidays are supposed to be a time for celebration and happiness, but for seniors who live independently, that may not always be the case. However, that’s not to say that family members and senior care providers can take steps to help bring some holiday cheer to seniors who live by themselves.

The most important thing is for family members to make sure to spend plenty of time with their elderly relatives. Of course, this is important during the rest of the year, but once the holidays roll around, why not spend time with them cooking or decorating?

If this is the first year a senior relative has lived independently, whether due to the death of a spouse or if they moved to a nursing home, family caregivers may want to think about switching up traditions. For instance, if the holiday celebration was always at the senior’s house, it may be a better idea to change locations, so your elderly relative can enjoy the benefits of the holidays without having to stress about hosting.

While it can be difficult to include an elderly loved one in every aspect of holiday party planning, especially if they have issues with mobility or other health concerns, what is the most important is that they are with family members.