Show Your Independent Living Seniors Some
Valentine’s Day Love

Show Seniors Valentine's Day Love

Gifting a bouquet of red roses and a heart-shaped box of decadent chocolates. Presenting a grandchild’s “I love you” scrawled in crayon. Preparing a home-cooked meal or going out to a favorite restaurant. These are just a few of the ways you can show beloved family members living in senior communities some Valentine’s Day love this February 14th.

Whether it’s your loved one’s first year in new surroundings or he or she has been settled into a senior living community for some time, make an effort to lift spirits during this mid-winter holiday.

Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Deck the halls with hearts and flowers – When you put up cheerful decorations, celebrating Valentine’s Day can start weeks before the actual holiday. Whether you bring or send a bouquet of fresh flowers or help set up more elaborate displays, your senior will enjoy seeing them – while thinking of you – every day.


2. Get creative – Speaking of decorations, they don’t have to be store-bought. In fact, homemade crafts by young grandchildren and great grands are even better. If possible, have the kids spend an afternoon with your loved one, putting together Valentine collages showcasing favorite photos, construction paper cut-outs and glitter. It’s fun for all ages. Teens can create Valentine videos for tech-savvy seniors to enjoy long after the holiday has passed. The only limit is your imagination.
   


3. Pick up the phone – Mailing a beautiful Valentine’s Day card, posting a holiday greeting on Facebook, or shooting them an email greeting are all terrific ways to connect to a senior living near or far. But short of an in-person visit, nothing beats hearing a loved one’s voice wishing them a Happy Valentine’s Day and filling them in on the latest family news. So, dial away and have a heartfelt phone or Facetime chat they’ll always treasure.
   


4. Make it festive with food – Invite your loved senior to celebrate Valentine’s Day at a dinner featuring their favorite dishes. If possible, have them participate in the preparations. Chopping vegetables, stirring a pot of savory sauce, or baking cookies will bring back memories and continue cherished traditions.
   
   Taking your senior out to a Valentine’s Day dinner or brunch is a good option for enjoying food and conversation. MorningStar’s senior living communities prepare all-day, restaurant-style dishes, making group meals convenient and delicious. Even popping in to share a Valentine’s Day cup of tea can make the holiday special.
   


5. Schedule a movie night – Make a date with your senior to spend Valentine’s Day watching a romantic flick. Depending on available technology, you could play a DVD, stream one online, or watch on the big screen at a local theater.
   
   Whether your senior prefers the classics or leans toward recent films, there are dozens of romantic movies to choose from. So pop some corn, fill up a bowl of Junior Mints, and grab a box of tissues for the tear-jerking scenes.
   


6. Remember the romance – Love is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Reminiscing about your senior’s husband, wife, or other long-time loves can be a meaningful way to celebrate the day. Looking at a wedding album or family photos can bring back memories of the way they were. Sharing treasured mementos with younger generations can bring the past to life and inspire the future. If there’s a wedding dress a teen granddaughter can put on, all the better. Watch eyes light up as your senior relives the romance of this present life.

While every day can and should be a celebration of care and affection, don’t pass up the chance to show Independent Living and Assisted Living seniors Valentine's Day love in unforgettable ways.

MorningStar Senior Living — Independent Living Community

Love the sound of built-in companionship, predictable budgeting and the security that comes from living in an independent living community? Our job is to take care of the day-to-day details of home maintenance inside and out, giving you more time to do the things you love. Whether it’s fulfilling a calling, finding a new opportunity through volunteerism, or playing and relaxing, contact us to schedule a tour of a community near you.