Valentine's Day Ideas for Seniors & Caregivers

The If you’re not in a relationship, Valentine’s Day can be laden with emotion, especially for seniors who may have lost their life partner recently. But as caregivers, there are some things we can do to bring the warm and fuzzy elements of the holiday to the forefront for our loved ones. Here are our favorites:

• Share the Love With Your Community - Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to get involved in a local charity! Many organizations hold fundraisers or events and are always looking for volunteers to help out. Helping others will warm your heart, and you may even make some new friends in the process!
  
  
• Make Holiday Treats - It is said the kitchen is the heart of the home, which is a great reason to incorporate cooking into your Valentine’s Day plans. Heart-shaped cookies are always a crowd favorite, but it doesn’t matter what you make as long as it’s something that brings you joy. Maybe now is the perfect time to try your hand at that fancy dinner dish that you have always had your eye on.
  
  
• Go to the Movies (or watch one at home) - Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned rom-com? A trip to an old-fashioned movie theater is a great way to embrace the nostalgia of past Valentine’s Days with old flames. If you can’t make it to a theater, or would rather cozy up on your own couch, fire up Netflix and make your own movie snacks to get the same vibe at home.
  
  
• Get Creative with a Craft Project - You don’t have to be an artist to make some fun Valentine’s decorations for your space! Try making some festive garland out of string, red, pink and white pompoms and some red hearts cut out of paper. For those with a bit more artistic talent, break out the paint and try to recreate a picture that you love. Even if it isn’t perfect, seeing this recreation that was handmade will bring joy for years to come.
  
  
• Whatever They Love - Plan a day full of their favorite things including a trip to their favorite breakfast spot, window shopping at the mall or even just a warm cup of tea to drink while reading their favorite book! Your plans don’t have to be extravagant to show the senior in your life how much they mean to you.
  
  

No matter how you choose to celebrate, we hope this Valentine’s Day is filled with love!