If you are going to be visiting some senior friends or relatives, we have some tips for you during this holiday season. You will want to get the most out of your visits, and make your visits count.

Be Safe

First of all, the most important thing is to be safe. That means wearing a mask when you’re inside anywhere where there are seniors. This type of guideline will likely be posted when you walk in, but keep it in mind. Masks are no fun, but they are a way of life now.

If you are not feeling well, then don’t go! Don’t take any risks with seniors. If you feel the slightest bit off, stay home. And make sure to sanitize your hands when you go inside. In fact, follow any and all rules that are posted when you walk in. These are for everyone’s safety.

Take Pictures

Most smartphones have cameras, so take some photos. Soon the visit will be over, and it’s nice to have some photos to go with the memories. Photos on a smartphone are easy to share with other friends or relatives.

Do you remember the old Polaroid cameras? Well, that type of camera is coming back into fashion, and there are cameras like that available that allow you to print instantly a photo. Consider taking one of those along, so you can leave a real hard copy of the photo with your loved one, especially if that person is not very computer savvy.

Be Mindful of Gifts

Think carefully about gifts that you bring. Candies and cookies are fun, but some seniors have health issues that mean they should not be eating things like that. In that case, consider bringing a good book to read or even a nice coffee-table, picture book. Or bring a photo album or scrapbook that your loved ones can enjoy over and over. Or a notebook for writing down thoughts in a gratitude journal. Think about what gifts are most appropriate for them as opposed to you.

Our last bit of advice is don’t stay too long. Seniors tire of a lot of visitors or commotion. Keep that in mind, and don’t overstay your welcome. Visiting is wonderful, but they need their rest, too. And with this last bit of advice, The Hamlets at Duncan wish you and your family the happiest of holidays and a healthy and happy new year.

The Hamlets at Duncan is a brand-new, assisted-living and complex-care senior community in Duncan, BC, on Vancouver Island. Guided by the tenets of Christian faith, and with a stellar staff and multiple amenities, The Hamlets at Duncan, is the premier senior-living choice for the area.