Holidays can energize or exhaust. A simple connection plan turns December into a month that fills rather than drains. What small step would make your loved one feel included this week.
Build a schedule with short, predictable touch points. Ten minute phone calls, a weekly video chat, and one planned visit give structure to the month. If travel is hard, write and mail cards together. The National Institute on Aging shares straightforward ways to lower isolation and keep ties strong. National Institute on Aging
Mix activities that fit energy and mobility. Try decorating together, baking one simple recipe, or reading aloud for twenty minutes. If your loved one lives in a community, ask for the calendar and circle events that match interests. Assisted Living Locators has holiday and winter activity ideas ready to plug into your week. Assisted Living Locators
Solve logistics in advance. Arrange rides, choose accessible venues, and confirm seating that allows easy hearing and vision. Keep events short with a clear start and finish. Create a quiet corner at gatherings where someone can rest, hydrate, and regroup. These small design choices reduce stress for the whole family and make repeats more likely.
Use tech to bridge distance. Set up large button tablets or voice assistants for easy calling. Create a shared photo album so new pictures arrive without effort. Ask during each contact, what day works for our next check in. Finish the month by noting which activities felt best and make them part of winter routine. For more ways to stay connected, use our holiday connection guide. Assisted Living Locators
