This Year, Make Grandma and Grandpa Your Valentine

While many designate this holiday to young lovers, it’s also a great opportunity to remind grandparents that they are loved and appreciated.  Make a fuss over them and they will love every minute of it! If you’re not sure where to start, here are some Valentine’s Day ideas from our home health care team in New Jersey.

#1 – Put Up Valentine’s Day Décor

February can be a pretty grey and dreary time of year in New Jersey and other parts of the country. Valentine’s Day décor is the perfect way to brighten everything up, add some cheerfulness and show others how much you care. Making your own Valentine’s Day decorations is a fantastic activity for grandkids. They will have the opportunity to add their personal touch, plus putting them up together makes for a fun day.

If your grandparents live in assisted living  with COVID-19 restrictions in place, talk to the team there to see if you could drop off some Valentine’s Day décor to decorate your loved one’s space.

#2 – Get Poetic

Nothing says “love” quite like poetry! Coincidentally, February is also National Haiku Month, when we celebrate an ancient Japanese form of poetry. These 17-syllable poems are simple to write and fit perfectly in a Valentine’s Day card that you can send to your grandparents. Here’s how to write one:

Line 1 – A sentence of 5 syllables

Line 2 – A sentence of 7 syllables 

Line 3 – A sentence of 5 syllables

It doesn’t even have to rhyme. Here’s an example:

A Rose for Nana

Given by your Granddaughter

Colored by my Love

So simple! You can get the whole family together to write haikus and decorate Valentine’s Day cards, with the best poems from each grandchild. Don’t forget the glitter, hearts and flowers! 

#3 – Game Night!

Everyone loves a game night, and they are so easy to do – especially online – so it’s the ideal socially distant family event! Here’s a great article on how to host a virtual games night, as well as some links to great apps that you can all download onto a tablet, smartphone or computer, including Psych!, Scrabble, UNO, Yahtzee, Boggle and Scattergories.

There are great games for every age group, so you won’t be short of options or entertainment. Just remember to download your apps from the Google or Apple store directly to ensure you have the right program and to avoid malware.

Alternatively, you can also get together for a virtual movie night and watch all the most romantic classics even if you are in different locations. If your loved one is in assisted living with COVID-19 restrictions, get in touch with their care team who will be happy to help set everything up on their side!

#4 – Care Packages

Who doesn’t love a care package? We know Christmas was just a couple of months away, but care packages are timeless and always appreciated. The great thing about them is that they are personal and customizable, so you can stay within budget, show your grandparents you love them, and give them a truly unique gift!

Here are some ideas of what you can include in your care package:

• Fancy moisturizers – Winter and home heating is hard on skin, no matter your age. Splash on some luxury moisturizer with rich, nourishing ingredients and an uplifting scent. A good idea is to choose something with natural organic ingredients, as perfume can irritate sensitive skin.
• Homemade treats – Heart shaped cookies, cranberry brownies, caramel fudge and red velvet cupcakes are just some delectable treats that are easy to make and decorate for the holiday. Local baking and craft stores have wonderful packaging, edible decorations and more to inspire you!
• Winter warmers – Whether handmade or chosen from a shop, warm winter goodies are always in demand. Pick something bright and cheerful in the holiday colors, like a fluffy pink beanie and matching gloves, a woolen red TV blanket, or a snuggly scarf.

 

Looking for assistance for your parents or grandparents? Talk to our home health care providers in NJ

If you are struggling to care for a senior parent, or need a caregiver to look after an elderly parent temporarily or permanently, get in touch with our in-home care team at United Methodist Communities HomeWorks. From personal care to daily assistance around the home, we can help your senior parent through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

Give us a call today to find out more about how HomeWorks can help you, or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/elderly-home-health-care-nj/