Mother’s Day is a special day to celebrate the amazing women who have nurtured and loved us throughout our lives. If your mom is aging or has a disability, this day may be even more important. Your relationship with your mom may have changed as she has gotten older, and perhaps, both of you are trying to figure out how to adjust to these changes. Mother’s Day is a great opportunity to deepen your relationship.
Celebrating Mother’s Day for an elderly parent could look a bit different than past Mother’s Days. Here are some ways to celebrate your senior mother.
1. Reminisce Together
One way to honor your mom on Mother's Day is by taking a trip down memory lane. You could create a photo album or a scrapbook filled with pictures and mementos of your shared experiences over the years. You could also visit places that hold special meaning to both of you, such as the house where you grew up or a favorite restaurant you used to go to. Or you can just talk about your favorite memories.
2. Go on a Walk
A gesture for Mother's Day doesn't have to be extravagant. You can simply go on a walk together in the neighborhood or at a local park. You could even visit a local botanical garden.
Spending time outdoors and looking at the scenery can be relaxing, while also providing an opportunity for your mom to get out of the house and moving. If your elderly mom struggles with mobility, try exploring the outdoors through a VR headset.
3. Have a Special Brunch
Another great Mother's Day activity is to treat your mom to an extra special brunch. Aging seniors may have more energy in the morning. So, instead of enjoying a big dinner together, host a brunch with your family members in honor of your mother. You could take her to a favorite local restaurant or make something delicious for her at home.
If your mom is immobile or lives in a senior living community, you could treat her to a delicious breakfast in bed!
4. Write a Thoughtful Card
Whether your mom lives 5 miles away or 500 miles away, you can write her a thoughtful card that shares your deep appreciation for her and all that she has done for you. She will cherish your kind words on Mother's Day and for many days to come. This idea is especially poignant for anyone whose love language is words of affirmation.
5. Cook a Meal Together
If your mom loves to cook, why not spend some time together in the kitchen? You could plan a special meal that you both enjoy and cook it together. This can be a great way to bond over a shared activity, and you'll get to enjoy a delicious meal together afterward. If you're cooking together, it's can also be a great opportunity to learn how to make family favorite.
If your mom isn’t able to be as involved in the kitchen as she used to be, try to involve her as much as possible. She could wash vegetables or pour pre-measured ingredients. This can help her feel useful on her special day.
6. Give Her a Call
If you can't be with your mom on Mother's Day, it doesn't mean you can't show her how much you care. Give her a call or video chat her so you can make her day. If you already call your mom frequently, try to make this call special by sharing some of your favorite memories or the qualities that you admire most in your mom.
7. Do Something She Enjoys
Go to the movies, have a spa day, enjoy a cultural event, make a fun Mother's Day craft, or play a round of cards. By doing what your mom wants to do, you can show her that you really care. Keep in mind that the activities that your mom enjoys may have changed over the years, especially if she now has limited mobility or experiences cognitive decline.
8. Volunteer Together
If your mom is passionate about a particular cause or organization, consider volunteering together. This can be a great way to give back to your community while spending quality time together. You could volunteer at a local food bank, animal shelter, or community center. Just make sure that the volunteer opportunity has activities suited to your mom’s abilities.
9. Send Flowers
Sending flowers is a great way to let your mom know you care about her. Order some of her favorites and have them delivered if you live far away, or drop them off yourself if you live nearby. If your mom isn’t a fan of bouquets or arrangements, then consider buying her a potted plant that she can put in her yard and tend over the coming years. Flowers make a great Mother's Day gift!
We hope these ideas help you make Mother’s Day special for your aging mom. Remember, whatever you choose to do this Mother's Day, the ultimate goal should be to have fun and show your mom how much you love her.
