We can all acknowledge that 2020 has been a tough year. This holiday season, it's important that all our family members and friends feel safe and loved this December.

This is most important for our elderly relatives. Many of our ageing family members have faced increased hardships at the hands of the pandemic. To help, we’ve come up with a list of fun and inexpensive ways to gift your grandparents this Christmas.

The Tech

Connectedness has never been more important than during this holiday season. Overseas family members and friends who can’t travel home for the holidays will still want to connect with their loved ones. This doesn’t mean a technological overhaul. A simple Zoom tutorial, or Facetime Video lesson could be all your grandparents need. You could teach them how to download WhatsApp, or even Instagram. Over the next couple of weeks, let’s ensure that everyone is online, and up-to-speed on whatever platform you choose.

The Experience

For those of us in safe, pandemic-free areas, a trip to the cinema is a great way to give the gift of experience. The cinema is a perfect pastime for ageing family members who may not have the same rigour for a more physical activity. You can purchase gold class movie tickets or a multi-movie pass for your elderly relatives. Just be sure that they can travel safely between the cinema and home.

Give the gift of peace and self-care this Christmas and treat your loved ones to a spa day. A gentle massage, facial or cheeky manicure and pedicure will never go out of style. And, who said that men can’t participate. 

The Pantry

For those of us with parents or grandparents either on the pension or self-sustained in retirement, groceries can be expensive, and often boring. For some of our relatives, buying luxury items such as mangos, avocados or premium chocolate might be a bridge too far. Why not pack a basket or two filled with the treats and treasures your loved ones may not usually permit themselves to purchase. Just be sure to include non-perishables in the mix. They won’t get through everything in a week.

The Love

It’s a cliché that love is free, it's just not always freely given. This holiday season lets shower our loved ones in love. Depending on your parents or grandparent's mobility, coffee dates, trips to the cinema, afternoon and morning walks, a ‘quick’ nine holes or trip to the bowling alley are all special moments you can share with your elderly relatives. Time is precious.

The Care

Another way to comfort your ageing parents or grandparents is to give them the gift of care. Right at Home offers professional in-home care services for the elderly and those living with a disability. We support people living with Alzheimer's, dementia and cognitive decline and disability, post-operative care needs and older Australians. If you would like some peace of mind these holidays, give us a call on 1300 363 802. Our services help clients remain safe and independent in their homes.

From all of us here at Right at Home, happy holidays!

Keep up to date with COVID 19 information on the following links:

Australian Government Department of Health

Victorian Health and Human Services

NSW Health

Queensland Health

ACT Health

WA Department of Health

Tasmanian Department of Health

Northern Territory Department of Health

SA Health

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home companionship and personal care, and assistance to seniors and adults living with a disability who want to continue to live independently or age in their home. Right at Home is your local expert for issues related to caring for your loved ones and is dedicated to keeping you informed about home care. With no admin or subscription fees Right at Home allows you to get more care from your package or budget.

Right at Home is a 'My Aged Care' government-approved, home care provider for levels 1 – 4 and offers flexible in-home care services such as nursing care, after hospital care, post-operative care, respite care, dementia and Alzheimer's care. Right at Home also offers assistance with daily living and personal care such as grooming, hygiene, transport, shopping, meal prep, domestic services, and social support, so your loved one can enjoy a more independent, vibrant life. Our nurses and caregivers are screened, highly trained, and insured prior to entering your home so you can trust us with the caregiving while you focus on your loved one.

To find out more, please give us a call on 1300 363 802 or visit our website.

Right at Home Offices in Australia: Sydney Lower North Shore; Sydney Eastern Suburbs; Sydney Northern Beaches; Sydney Upper North Shore; Sydney North West; Sydney The Hills; Padstow St George; Macarthur Penrith; Newcastle; Hunter & Port Stephens; Southern NSW; Darling Downs; Sunshine Coast and Gympie; Mackay; Central Queensland; Townsville; Far North Queensland; Gold Coast South; Gold Coast North; Northern Rivers; Brisbane Bayside; Brisbane South; Brisbane West; Brisbane North; Perth Midland; Perth Northern Suburbs; Perth West Coast; Kalgoorlie Wheatbelt