Father's Day is a holiday when we are given the opportunity to give back to our father and grandfathers. We can show them how we appreciate all they've done for us. However, as our loved ones get older, it might be more difficult to celebrate in the ways you used to. So if you are planning something special this Father's Day, keep these tips in mind so that you can celebrate with your loved ones.
Tip 1: Keep What He Can (And Can't) Do in Mind
Sometimes we get so caught up in a good idea that we forget it might be beyond our father's comfort zone in his old age. A natural part of aging is that the mind and body slow down a bit. We might not be as adventurous or as up for trying new things as we used to be. We might not be able to get around as easily as we used to. Keep your dad’s age and abilities in mind as you plan the perfect Father’s Day.
If your dad suffers from dementia, for example, then it might be a bad idea to go on a day trip that's far away from familiarity and assistance. Instead, a special celebration at home or in a familiar place might be better. If your dad has trouble walking, then you should see whether there's a wheelchair option for your activity. Most places will accommodate seniors, but it helps to ask about needed accommodations beforehand.
As you plan an activity, you might need to scale back from your comfort level to your dad’s comfort level to ensure that the day is memorable and enjoyable for him. This is just one way to show your dad how much you care about him.
Tip 2: Make the Day About Him
Father's Day is a celebration of your dad, so you should make it about him. Ask for his input. What does he want to eat? What activities sound good to him? Try to gear the day toward things you know he enjoys.
Despite you asking, many dads don't want a fuss made over them. And they may not share anything with you about what they expect from Father’s Day, but a little thought can go a long way and make the day particularly touching—especially if you don't spend as much time together these days as you once did.
Here are some things you could think about when planning your celebration for Father’s Day.
- Favorite food, movie, activities, music, etc.
- Sharing your memories about your dad
- Acts of service that will make his day easier
Tip 3: Put Thought behind a Gift
A tradition of Father’s Day is to give your dad or grandfather a gift. As your parents age, it can be trickier to find a gift that they don’t have but will still enjoy. But as they age, it also opens new opportunities for you to get gifts that they will need to age safely in place. For example, grab bars for the bathroom or a smartwatch that can help you keep track of them in case they wander.
Many seniors enjoy embracing new technologies that make their lives easier, too. Consider a smart doorbell or a virtual home assistant to help them manage daily tasks. Or a digital picture frame that you can update with new pictures of the grandkids. For more tech ideas, check out our post: Celebrate Father’s Day with Tech Gifts for Grandpa.
As you think about what your dad might need as he continues to age, you can show how much you care about him and his quality of life. (Of course, save the receipts in case you need to do an exchange or return.)
Tip 4: Don't Wait until the Last Minute
If you want to do something for Father's Day, don't wait until the last-minute to plan any activities. Make reservations, buy tickets, and check your dad's calendar in advance to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. It will come in handy, particularly if your dad has medical concerns you need to keep in mind when making plans.
Many restaurants or other activities could get booked up as other families plan for the special day. This also goes for buying any gifts. Make sure you purchase the gift with enough time for it to arrive by Father’s Day.
Tip 5: Involve the Whole Family
If you have siblings or children of your own, then you won’t be the only person who wants to celebrate your dad. Father’s Day can become overwhelming when many different family members are vying for your dad’s attention. If possible, coordinate with the rest of your family about the activities during the day. Maybe the family can get together via video chat to with your dad a happy Father’s Day so that he can see his whole family at once instead of answering separate phone calls throughout the day. Family unity can bring pride to a father’s heart and help him feel the love and support you all have for him.
At Caring Senior Service, our expert staff is comprised of extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and trusted professionals who can help you make sure your dad remains healthy, happy, and at home. And that could be the best Father's Day gift of all. Whatever you have planned, know that we can help. Our qualified caregivers are available 24/7 and offer personalized care to help your dad when he needs it. Reach out to a Caring team near you today for more information.