The holidays are about more than dazzling décor and festive gatherings, they’re about connection. No one understands that more than senior family members, who offer a lifetime of wisdom and stories. Yet amid the season’s chaos, it’s easy for them to feel overlooked.
From long-standing traditions to new rituals that reflect changing families, there are countless ways to make senior loved ones feel seen and valued. The holidays also provide an opportunity to notice subtle changes in behavior, mood or routine that may signal a need for added support.
At Garden View Manor, a residential senior home offering round-the-clock care for eight residents, owners Bret and Christi Johnson emphasize autonomy and connection. Their philosophy centers on daily communication and meaningful engagement - key ingredients for aging with dignity.
When evaluating needs, families should look beyond medical requirements to find the right emotional and personality fit. Small details, spoiled food, missed medications or an untidy home, can signal early decline. While not every change requires immediate action, noticing patterns helps families intervene before needs escalate.
“Go with them to their doctor visits,” Christi advises. “Often times, they don’t remember everything the doctor says. It’s helpful to have two sets of ears and to keep communication open with.”
Johnson also stresses emotional support, especially keeping seniors connected with younger relatives. “They enjoy sharing their life experiences because there’s so much they went through that this generation hasn’t had to deal with,” she says.
Empathy is central to maintaining strong relationships, says Richard Troia, founder and president of Symphony of Care, an in-home support organization helping seniors maintain daily routines in familiar surroundings. “It’s important to acknowledge that sense of loss or loneliness and then find ways to combat it,” he says. “Incorporate them in the holiday traditions your family has always enjoyed. Make them feel loved and a part of the family. It’s really the small things that create that sense of togetherness.”
Since 2011, Symphony of Care has created personalized care plans tailored to each client - from companionship and safety to hands-on support. Caregivers also help families recognize changes when they can’t visit often. “We look for increased stress, agitation, not getting enough sleep and just being out of sorts,” Troia says. “If you spend time with your loved one, you know when it’s a good day and when it’s not. Looking for those signs of change is a good place to start.”
As abilities shift, many seniors experience a loss of identity. If a grandmother can no longer lead the holiday baking, assisting her while letting her guide the process can preserve a sense of purpose. “Seniors fear being forgotten or feeling like a burden,” Troia says. “Finding ways to show them they are valued is important.”
FirstLight Home Care, another Omaha-based in-home care provider, shares that philosophy. Owner Tracy Connor says her caregivers help families identify subtle behavioral or environmental changes that may indicate evolving needs. “Being more withdrawn or leaning away from social activities are things we watch for,” Connor says. “Our caregivers make sure clients are eating well, staying hydrated and engaging through the holidays.”
Connor adds that in-home support isn’t always about decline, it often enhances independence. “Seniors want to maintain their sense of agency,” she explains. “In-home care can provide the help they may not know they need, as well as the social aspect they’re looking for. The goal is to remain independent. More people than ever are aging in place, and we come in to offer support, security and social connection.”
Supporting aging loved ones through the holidays doesn’t require grand gestures. It begins with awareness, compassion and consistent connection. Through small check-ins, shared traditions or professional in-home support, families can ensure seniors feel valued and included.
Honoring those who shaped our lives is more than a seasonal sentiment - it’s a commitment to dignity, continuity and care that strengthens the entire family circle.
“Seniors fear being forgotten and left out, or feeling like a burden. Finding ways to support them and show they are valued is important”