Article - Preparing for Family Gatherings

Family traditions around the holiday season are special. They are familiar and comfortable. They remind everyone that as the world around them changes, some things will always stay the same. But as our families evolve and go through stages of aging and new life, are things really the same? Activities that once brought only joy can be the focus of anxiety, because some of the roles and functions of the gathering must change.

Those who once prepared the family meal might now find the task overwhelming. The sheer energy of the youngest generation might wear out the most senior generation. Visitors might need special accommodations to help them with eating, standing and other daily living activities. How do you approach the holidays while minimizing stress and strain for all?

The best thing to do is plan ahead.

Tip: Share Responsibilities.

Make sure that everyone who wants it has an important role to play. Do some advance planning around what needs to be done so that others can share in the responsibility for making the meal and handling the clean up. This includes pulling out the serving pieces and putting them back when the meal is over, which can be an exhausting task all by itself! If it is too difficult to share the meal preparation, arrange to pick up prepared food whenever possible. Supermarkets and restaurants can supply a portion or all of the fixings.

Plan to share the responsibility for those who may need special attention, from the youngest visitor to the oldest. Engaging others in caregiving activities gives them an opportunity to share a special moment with that family member as well as deepening their understanding of the needs. Be sure that all participants understand the tasks and procedures, from the best way to change a diaper to the correct way to help someone stand without causing injury to yourself.

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Tip: Plan the flow of activities.

Accommodate varying needs and energy levels. For some members of the family, the gathering may be very tiring. You can prevent over-exertion either by shortening the length of the event or by scheduling quiet time for those who need it. Alternate the rowdy moments with more calm activities. Everyone loves to remember previous family occasions. Prepare scrapbooks of those photos from the last get-together. Share stories of the family and the history. Give those who can't remember the details of today a chance to share the stories of years gone by.

Encourage rest periods mid-way through or plan for quiet family games in another room that might give some members a chance to restore their energy. Popular games for the whole family might include the following:

• SCRABBLE^® - Low vision replacement tiles that are easy to read, ¾" letters that fill each block.

• Card Games - A four deck shuffler, card holders and revolving card tray add an extra level of pleasure for people who have arthritis or difficulty holding small objects.

• Checkers - with big pieces that are easy to see and to handle for young fingers and arthritic hands.

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Tip: Plan for the comfort of your guests.

For those who have a little trouble sitting and standing:

• Uplift portable lift seat - It is easier to get into and out of firm chairs with arms. If your sofa or chair is too low for some, this portable lift seat will help them sit and rise more comfortably.

• SuperPole - A floor-to-ceiling tension pole that provides support and balance in almost any room. Use it by the bath as a temporary grab bar, by the bed or a favorite chair in the living room.

For those who have a little trouble seeing the small numbers in the kitchen:

• Oversized timer - Huge 8" timer can be seen or felt easily, so nothing will burn.

• Wireless meat thermometer - There are two readout units for this meat thermometer. The remote piece has large numbers and can be placed right by their chair for easy reference.

For those who have a little trouble hearing:

• Ameriphone's in-line telephone amplifier - Taking only a moment to install between the telephone base and the handset, this little amplifier will allow conversations to be heard at up to 100 times their normal volume.

• The noise of the overall gathering can be very difficult on some people as they try to sort out the sounds to stay with the conversations. It might be helpful to arrange one-on-one conversations in another room. This separation will give them an opportunity to focus on one discussion at a time, reducing their frustration while making sure they receive plenty of personal attention.

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Here's a special holiday thought:
Why not include some items that might make your guests more comfortable and then let them take the product home for regular use. This 'practice time' might also work well for those who need a little time and encouragement to adjust to a new tool that might otherwise be relegated to the closet.

Taking some time now to plan for a comfortable holiday gathering could very well mean a less stressful and more enjoyable event for the whole family.

Dynamic Living is not associated with Hasbro, Inc., which owns the SCRABBLE^® trademarks and copyrights in the United States and Canada.

© Copyright 2001 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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