3 Ways To Support Seniors During The Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for many seniors in Canada, it can also be a time of loneliness and isolation. As families come together to celebrate, it’s important to remember the elderly members of our community who may be facing challenges during this festive season. Here are three meaningful ways to support seniors during the holidays, along with local charities you can contribute to!

1. Volunteer at Local Senior Centers

In Ontario, numerous senior centers provide a variety of programs and activities for the elderly. Volunteering your time at these centers can make a significant impact on the lives of seniors. Whether it’s assisting with holiday events, organizing activities, or simply spending time chatting with the residents, your presence can bring warmth and companionship. Consider reaching out to organizations like Reconnect Community Health Services or your local equivalent for volunteer opportunities.

2. Donate to Meals on Wheels

Many seniors in Canada face challenges in accessing nutritious meals, especially during the holidays. Meals on Wheels is a fantastic initiative that delivers meals directly to the homes of seniors who may be unable to cook or shop for themselves. By contributing to organizations like Meals on Wheels, you’re not only ensuring seniors receive proper nutrition but also offering a lifeline of human connection during the festive season.

3. Support Toy and Gift Drives for Seniors

While many holiday donation drives focus on children, there’s a growing need to extend our generosity to seniors as well. Several charities organize gift drives specifically for the elderly. Consider donating items like cozy blankets, non-perishable food items, or personal care products. These thoughtful gifts can bring comfort and joy to seniors who may be living alone or in care facilities.

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The holiday season is an excellent opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of seniors in Canada. By volunteering your time, donating to Meals on Wheels, and participating in gift drives, you can help combat loneliness while spreading the festive spirit to those who need it most in our community.

Often though, all many seniors want is to feel involved and not forgotten. We are all incredibly busy during the holidays, but making time to go see the seniors in our life is crucial. If it’s difficult to do this in person, we now have access to things such as video calls, and of course the classic phone calls. A few calls during the holidays just to update the seniors in your life on what’s going on and to check in can go a long way to combating loneliness. Why not pick up the phone today and check in with the senior in your life? Read suggestions on how to help seniors overcome loneliness during the Holidays here.

We have built the Continyou Care platform of products with families in mind. We have a Family Portal module that allows families to seamlessly stay connected with their loved ones at the home, join them for activities on-site, book meal reservations and get a general sense of how a resident is doing based on what they are eating as well as activities they are signed up for. 

If you have a loved one in a senior home, why not ask them if they have heard of the Continyou Care solution – and the benefits it can bring for isolated seniors!

Happy holidays from all of us at Continyou Care!

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Photo by cottonbro studio