"Palentine's" Day: Celebrating Love at All Ages

Valentine’s Day is all about love, but it doesn’t have to be limited to couples. Showing your appreciation for someone you care for, or even just taking the time to appreciate yourself, can be a fun and meaningful way to celebrate this holiday. You might have seen marketing campaigns with slogans such as Rosé instead of roses to emphasise that celebrating with friends can be just as fun as with a partner. Read on to discover some fun ways to celebrate Palentine’s Day with someone you love. 

How Home Instead Sutton Facilitates the Development of Enduring Friendships: Home Instead Sutton does not simply offer care services; they cultivate an atmosphere where authentic connections and friendships can thrive between your loved ones and Care Professionals. Through a focus on tailored care and the establishment of trust-based relationships, Home Instead Sutton ensures that your loved ones are esteemed, supported, and empathised with. This method not only elevates the standard of care but also bolsters the emotional well-being of both your loved ones and Care Professionals.

Why Celebrate Palentine’s Day?

For some of your loved ones, Valentine’s Day will be something they might want to avoid – it may remind them of loved ones they’ve lost, or perhaps be a holiday that they never fussed with in the past. But changing the focus to Palentine’s Day (a day to celebrate with your pals) could be a fun way to do something different.

1. Celebrating different festivals is a great way to offer your loved ones new experiences and bring some joy into their lives. They might not have heard the modern take on it and be confused about what Palentine’s Day represents, but if they have a nice day, it’s worth putting in the effort. You could even tell them that your own version of it is called Companiontine’s Day, where your loved ones can appreciate the friendship of their cherished companions.
2. While some people might not want to remember Valentine’s Days gone by, others will be keen to reminisce. They might want to look at old photographs or tell stories about their youth which will bring a smile to your face. Give your loved ones the opportunity to share something new with you.
3. Mary, the daughter of a client, shared her experience with Home Instead Sutton. She commended the team for their exceptional care, stating, “The team have provided ongoing care, first for my father and then for my mother, over many years and have been kind, professional and supportive through some very difficult times.” She highlighted the kindness, professionalism, and supportiveness of the Care Professionals during challenging periods. Mary also mentioned that the carers are currently offering friendly companionship to her mother while ensuring her well-being by keeping a watchful eye on her. 

Alison Legg, Registered Care Manager at Home Instead Sutton, emphasises the importance of providing friendship and companionship:

“We believe that at Home Instead Sutton, it is not just about providing care; it is about building relationships based on trust, respect, and genuine companionship. Our goal is to ensure that your loved ones not only receive the assistance they need but also feel valued, supported, and connected. We strive to create a warm and friendly environment where your loved ones can feel comfortable, engaged, and truly cared for. Friendship and companionship are at the core of what we do because we understand the profound impact they have on overall well-being and quality of life.”

How to Celebrate Palentine’s Day?

Planning entertaining ways to celebrate gives you an opportunity to think creatively about what your loved ones will enjoy and remember that no two people are the same! Here are some different ideas about ways to celebrate.

1. Get Crafty – some seniors enjoy taking part in craft activities, and what better way to celebrate than by making a Palentine’s Day card? The card doesn’t have to be for a significant other – you and your loved one could make each other a card, or you could support them in making a sweet card for a family member, friend, or person in the community who they appreciate. Another craft related option is to make paper flowers – there are plenty of online tutorials whether you want to try your hand at origami, tissue paper, or perhaps a floral painting.
2. Sweet Treats – Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to mean boxes of chocolate, but perhaps getting in the kitchen is a fun activity that you and your loved one could do together. Baking some heart shaped biscuits or a decorative cake to share with friends is a fun way to celebrate, or for those with an artistic flair, making your own chocolates would be a great activity to do together. If you like the sweet treats but aren’t so hot in the kitchen, how about using Palentine’s Day as an excuse to go for an afternoon tea, or even just a coffee and cake in a local café.
3. Meaningful Music – there are lots of ways to use music in your Palentine’s Day celebrations. Perhaps you could ask your loved ones to tell you three pieces of music which are meaningful to them, and you can listen to them together, before you share your own desert island discs! Or you could look up some romantic songs that were popular when your loved one was young, or even from the year they were born. Perhaps they’d like to share with you the song that played when they walked down the aisle, or a song that reminds them of their parents? Listening to music can be a moving experience for many seniors, and a perfect way to relax while having a slice of your homemade Palentine’s Day cake. They might even want to sing along!
4. Acts of Kindness – it’s been proven that doing small acts of kindness is beneficial to the giver as well as to the recipient, so this is a great feel-good way to celebrate. Ask your loved ones to think of someone they’d like to be kind to – it could be the girl at the corner shop who always tells them to have a nice day, or the postman who goes the extra mile in making sure their packages stay dry. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture, but something small to bring joy into the life of another, and to make your loved ones feel good about themselves, too.
5. Local Places to Visit –If you’re planning a special outing with your loved on to celebrate Palentine’s Day, there are plenty of great choices. From taking a stroll in the park to going for a coffee, we’re sure you can think of a unique place to visit. 

Not everyone will be up for celebrating Palentine’s Day, but perhaps this modern take on a traditional celebration will put a twinkle in the eye of your loved one. In care, every day is different, and thinking of unique ways to bring joy to each day is all part of caring for someone and sharing their lived experience. Use Palentine’s Day to spread joy and make your loved ones smile! 

On this Valentine’s Day, the team at Home Instead Sutton extends warm wishes to you and your loved ones. Our commitment lies in delivering compassionate care and assistance to elderly family members, ensuring they receive the quality care they merit. At Home Instead Sutton, we emphasise companionship care that is centered around building relationships. Learn more about Finding the Perfect Carer Match.

If you or someone you are acquainted with is in need of quality home care services, please feel free to reach out to us. We are dedicated to creating a positive difference in the lives of seniors within our community. Contact Home Instead Sutton today at 020 8103 2222.