You’ve taken a big step and invited someone elderly, relative or otherwise, for Christmas.

It’s every bit as important for them as for the children, so there a few things to think about if you really want to make their Christmas.

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1.   Present etiquette

There’s nothing more miserable than sitting watching thousands of presents being opened, and nothing comes your way. If part of your Christmas tradition is a ‘presentfest’, make sure there’s something nice, however small, under the tree. Not everyone will be able bodied enough to have a role, but if they are, mybe your visitor could play ‘elf’ handing out the presents. Or be the ‘official’ photographer?

Remember that some elderly guests may not be able to get out easily to buy presents or buy things online. Talk to them in advance about what will happen and if they need anything to help.

If they can’t open their present(s) themselves, appoint the youngest member(s) to help – an important role, so brief them in advance!

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2.   Time for them

Loneliness feels bigger at this time of year. For an elderly person living alone, this may be the highlight of their year. Ask them what they need, and brief other family members about their needs.

Someone just sitting and listening for half an hour may be the best present they get. Sometimes this needs patience. Don’t move around while they’re talking, unless it’s for something essential like taking the turkey out before it burns!  It’s just one day, and for them it may mean the World.

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3.   Create an ‘away’ space

For an elderly person leaving alone, or for someone with dementia, being around lots of people can be overwhelming. As may their emotions: many will have lost family and/or friends over the past year – it comes with getting older. They won’t usually want to make everyone feel sad with them, so having a quiet space to escape to, with everyone respecting their privacy, is a great survival strategy all round.

Moreover, they may need an afternoon nap – one of the few luxuries of getting older.

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4.   Ability

If your guest has any special mobility needs, think about how they will be able to get around.

Our recent guide on ‘Making Space for Mobility’ https://www.easystorage.com/blog/making-space-for-mobility  may offer some helpful hints.

It is also possible to hire equipment to help.

If your elderly guest is staying overnight, check what their needs are and preferences regarding bedding, washing and routines for sleep and breakfast.

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5.       Communicate clearly

If your guest is hard of hearing, brief everyone to speak a bit louder than normal, without making them feel they are being spoken down to.

Having suggested that your guest is given the task of the music, rethink if they are deaf or hard of hearing. Either they’ll put the music on really loudly for them to be able to hear, or the noise will make it harder for them to hear.

If this is the case, think about where you position them in the room and at the dinner table.

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6.   Usefulness

Visitors LIKE to feel useful. Include them wherever appropriate, subject, of course, to ability.

It may be laying the table. Polishing glasses. Making sure that the Christmas music is playing.

Just bear in mind that many elderly people are great at hiding shaky hands well.

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7.   Medicines

Remind your guests before they come that they should have their medications with them. (You don’t want to spend Christmas on a mercy dash for vital missing medications.)

Make sure that you know what they’re taking and at what times. A little warming sherry can play havoc on the memory.

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8.   Warmth

A room full of people gets warm quite quickly, but the elderly often feel the cold. Have a shawl or blankets to hand just in case.

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9.   Alzheimers and Dementia

Dementia is cruel, but no need to make the sufferer feel bad. They can’t help it.

Alzheimers and dementia may make people say and do odd things. Try and hold onto a sense of humour, and explain to any children in advance. It’s OK to laugh with them when they do and say odd things.

Feeling safe and certain will help the sufferer manage, so make sure they know what is happening when, and be patient if you have to repeat things – and when you get told off for doing so!

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10.   Food

Think beforehand about dietary requirements. Does your guest have any restrictions? Are they limited by dentures. If food needs cutting up small, can it be cut before it comes to the table to save embarrassment? What time do they normally eat, and do they need snacks to keep them going for a later than normal lunch?

Older people often have small appetites and may need to eat little and often, so don’t get upset if they can’t eat what’s on their plate. Listen to their requests for a small portion – they can always come back for more. Or top up with snacks later.

If you need to make space for family over Christmas, be it furniture or a general declutter, easyStorage is here to help with storage at around half the price of traditional self storage, and will collect and return your goods!