The anniversary of our country’s founding is just around the corner. Be sure to celebrate Independence Day with your loved ones and partake in fun and patriotic activities. At the same time, stay safe and enjoy the moment in a responsible manner. Here are some ways you can enjoy this special occasion with your senior family members.
Senior-friendly Celebration Tips
Consider these safety tips and activities when you celebrate Independence Day with senior loved ones.
Bring Sufficient Gear
4th of July celebrations normally entail the outdoors to some extent. Have plenty of items on hand to keep seniors comfortable under the sun. This includes:
- Portable and cushioned seating
- Bottled water
- An umbrella (for shade)
- Sunscreen lotion
- Portable handheld fan
- Medications, if needed
Fireworks
Seniors should maintain a safe distance from fireworks. The loud noise can be especially uncomfortable and alarming for them. Consider bringing along earplugs, so your loved ones can enjoy fireworks without the deafening noise.
Healthy Foods
Hot dogs, burgers, and lemonade are staples when it comes to Independence Day foods and beverages. Keep in mind, though, these consumables may not be appropriate for seniors with special dietary needs. Consider these foods and drinks suitable for people of all age groups:
- Potato salad with no or light dressing
- Sugar-free punch or lemonade (cold but not iced, or light on ice)
- Fruit slices
- Meatless burger patties and veggie dogs
- Sugar-free desserts like Jell-O or soft-baked goods
Bring Warm Clothing
Even in the summer, temperatures can be unpredictable and rapidly drop when the sun goes down. If you plan on celebrating into dusk, then bring some extra clothing. Seniors should bring along an extra coat or jacket just in case it gets windy. A small blanket is also a good item to bring for keeping the lower extremities warm.
Fun Games
Seniors don’t have to be merely spectators. Consider these senior-friendly festivities:
- Bingo
- Card games
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Arts and crafts – seniors can be in charge of monitoring and assisting children
Décor Setup
If you’re celebrating Independence Day around the home, seniors can help decorate the property, both indoors and outdoors. Seniors can help in a number of ways, such as by setting up bunting along the stair or deck rails or hanging an American flag on the front porch. Any setups that include climbing a ladder or electrical wiring should be left to an able-bodied adult.
Story-Telling
Seniors have a wealth of life experiences and fascinating stories to tell. With a drink in hand, strike up a conversation with your senior loved one. Have them recount some of their earliest experiences about America.
Perhaps this can be how they immigrated to the country, or how they celebrated the 4th of July when they were young. If they have photos available from these times, have them bring them out and share them. You’ll hear intriguing tales from an era before social media and smartphones.
Have a Safety Plan
Louisiana summer can get very humid, which makes it feels warmer than it is. If celebrating outdoors, try to stay close to home or within the vicinity of a public facility with air conditioning. This way, you can quickly escort your senior loved one indoors if they report feeling uncomfortable or dizzy. Learn to recognize signs of heat exhaustion or heat cramps, which includes:
- Constant thirst
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Light-headedness
- Muscle cramp or tightness
We have also put together a list of helpful tips to keep your elderly family member stay cool in warm weather.
Don’t Neglect Home Care this Summer
At Home Instead, our CAREGivers don’t just tend to the basic needs of senior citizens. We make sure they continue to enjoy the pleasures of life associated with holidays and other special occasions. Our home care in Lafayette, LA, also includes care on national holidays. We help your senior loved ones with everyday living year-round. Contact us today to schedule a free no-obligation Care Consultation!
Image source: Canva
