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Celebrating Valentine’s Day As a Senior During COVID-19

You might not be together in person this Valentine’s Day, but you can still celebrate with the people you love. 

 

 

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COVID-19 has put a damper on many holiday plans. With an end to the pandemic still distant, even with a vaccine underway, many families are choosing to scrap their normal Valentine’s Day celebrations. This is a letdown to many seniors and their families, as holidays are often special times. It’s a chance to make new memories, and for families who live far apart, it’s a rare occasion to get everyone together. 

 

 

Pandemic or no pandemic, nothing can truly stop you from showing how much you love your family. Consider these socially distanced alternatives for celebrating Valentine’s Day during COVID-19:

 

 

1. Send a Themed Care Package

 

 

Care packages are always a welcomed pick-me-up, and their importance has only skyrocketed during COVID-19. When families can’t be together in person, a care package is a great way to show someone you’re thinking of them. This is an easy yet thoughtful way to celebrate. You can send something special to your senior loved one, or you can help them send something to their kids or grandchildren, too. Consider doing a Valentine’s Day theme to make it more festive.

 

 

2. Connect Remotely

 

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If we’d been in this pandemic 20 years ago, connecting remotely in real-time wouldn’t have been possible. Today’s technology makes it easy to stay in touch, even when hundreds of miles apart. Tools like Facebook’s Portal or iPhone’s FaceTime can help people see and talk to each other, plus these tools are easy for seniors to use. Plan a virtual family hangout for Valentine’s Day, where you play games, share stories, or do an activity together. It’s the next best thing to being together in person.

 

 

3. Make a Handmade Gift

 

 

Handmade gifts hold an extra special importance because they take precious time to make. Simple gifts like cards, magnets, or treats are easy for anyone to make with very little investment. Or, if you have a special skill like knitting, sewing, or painting, you can put your skills to work and make a one-of-a-kind gift for your family member.

 

 

4. Have Someone Deliver Local Goodies

 

 

If you’re not in love with the idea of shipping goodies from afar, connect with a local florist, bake shop, or gift shop in your loved one’s community and have them make a special delivery. Many stores are now offering delivery services because of COVID-19 and can do a porch drop-off to maintain social distancing. As an added bonus, you’ll be supporting a local business at a time when many businesses are struggling.

 

 

5. Hire a Caregiver to Attend to Specific Needs

 

 

If you have a senior loved one, hiring a caregiver can help you attend to their needs from afar. Caregivers can assist with all aspects of daily life, from light cleaning and cooking, to running errands, to laundry and more. It’s a gift they’ll appreciate, and it gives you peace of mind knowing your senior family members are being well cared for. 

 

 

Celebrating Valentine’s Day during COVID-19 will look a lot differently this year, but keeping your distance in order to keep everyone safe is perhaps the greatest demonstration of love. Take every opportunity to creatively show your family just how much they mean to you. 

 

 

Sources

 

 

https://www.appleblossomseniorliving.com/10-fantastic-valentines-day-ideas-for-seniors-activities-and-gifts/

 

 

https://dailycaring.com/valentines-day-activities-for-seniors/

 

 

https://www.caringseniorservice.com/blog/how-to-help-mom-feel-loved-for-valentines-day