Valentine’s Day for Seniors – Sharing the Love

It’s That Time of Year Again!

Traditional ways of saying “I love you” to your partner abound, with a seemingly endless array of flowers, candy, cards, jewelry and other trinkets to choose from. 

But when you get right down to it the central message of Valentine’s Day is love, which opens up a whole host of options for showing  affection or admiration. 

Why not share the love this year with a small token of appreciation for the “everyday” people in your life; at the very least you will make them smile, and you never know how deeply your gesture may help a person who, unbeknowst to others, may be struggling. 

Reframing Valentine’s Day

Whether simple or elaborate, there are plenty of opportunities to join in on Valentine’s Day fun. Expanding your expressions of love and affection can easily be added to romantic Valentine traditions:

• Organize special time with loved ones – whether it’s lunch, baking, crafting, or however you enjoy passing time, it’s a great way to create a new tradition to reconnect.
• Call an old friend you haven’t spoken to in a while – it will do you both good and also create the chance to arrange future chats or get-togethers.
• Be a secret admirer – sending an anonymous card or gift will boost the spirits of both the sender and the receiver.

Don’t Forget to Love Yourself

Although the main thrust of retail advertising is to give on Valentine’s Day, treating yourself has many benefits, not the least of which is that you’ll be sure to get what you want! 

You can use this opportunity to indulge yourself or take up a new hobby, ideas include: 

• Getting a new hairstyle with a manicure/pedicure thrown in for good measure
• Relaxing with a special spa massage, such as aromatherapy, hot stone, trigger point, reflexology, or shiatsu
• Taking an art or crafting class, such as drawing, pottery, or knitting
• Getting in-tune with yourself through yoga, journaling or meditation

Independent and assisted living residents at The Elms can schedule transportation with our professional, on-staff drivers to get to and from off-site appointments. This is just one of the included services that makes for carefree senior living at The Elms.  

Create Lasting Moments of Joy for Those with Memory Loss

Valentine symbols of love that have been embedded into our consciousness – heart decorations, red roses, heart-shaped chocolate boxes – can spark positive feelings that linger far beyond the moment of gift giving.

Caregivers and/or family members can amplify the power of remembrance with a memory box or a reminiscence book. These simple yet highly personalized gifts provide a convenient way to remember special times, stimulate positive feelings, and get people talking.

Individuals with early stage Alzheimer’s or dementia may be inspired to create another box around a different theme, such as gardening, sports, or birthday parties.

For later-stage patients the quiet, distraction-free nature of these mementos can be an effective way to stimulate communication, whether a smile, touch or comment.

Valentine’s Day at The Elms

We’ll be helping our residents celebrate with themed activities, décor, and a live performance by resident favorite Bob LaValley.

Organized by our on-site Activities Director, these events allow for easy opportunities to socialize and create supportive and nurturing environments to prompt positive memories and build new ones, too!

If you have been wondering if independent/assisted senior living or memory care is right for you or a loved one, please feel free to give us a call at (401) 596-4630 or send a confidential email today to schedule a tour.