First off, all of us at Nightingale’s Nursing would like to wish you and yours a Merry Christmas! This time of year is vert special to us because we get to spend more quality time with not only our friends and family, but also our employees and patients. We try to provide the best home care Myrtle Beach has to offer, and our duties do not stop because of the holidays.

It’s important to us to offer up our best year round, but especially during the Christmas season. ‘Tis the season for giving, so we are giving you all a few ideas on how to safely make your senior’s home merry and bright with some decorating ideas and a few recipes!

Light Up Their Life

Between scented candles and fireplaces being lit, there can be a lot of fire hazards during the holidays. Sometimes seniors forget to blow out the candle or they are unable to act quickly if a fire breaks out. Instead, use electric or flameless candles to light up their home. You can also turn on the senior’s television and set it to the Yule Log station. It’s tough to beat a roaring fire without having to worry about the flames!

Artificial Christmas Tree

There’s nothing line the scent of a freshly cut pine tree during the holidays! The only issue is that real trees are more likely to catch fire (we know, again with the fire!). We suggest buying an artificial tree and hanging pine-scented ornaments. It’s also a good idea to use safety hooks with hanging the ornaments and buying ones that are shatter-proof. It will make everything a whole lot safer.

Christmas Treats

The temptation to eat unhealthy foods is at an all time high this time of year. To combat this, below are a few sweet treats that your senior can enjoy without all of the added sugar:

Spicy Gingerbread Cake

Ginger gives anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant support, to battle destructive free radicals that cause disease. This gingerbread cake is all-natural and should provide a zing that your senior will love!

2 1/4 cups whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup soft butter or margarine
1/2 cup pure maple syrup, or honey (raw is best)
1 cup molasses
2 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground ginger (the fresher the better)
1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger (or 1 tsp extra ground ginger)
2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cloves
1 cup hot water
1/2 to 3/4 cup raisins (optional)
1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Cream butter with syrup or honey. Add molasses and egg. Beat well. Sift dry ingredients into mix – and add in alternately with water. Mix in raisins, if you are using them. Pour into a greased & floured 9-inch pan.

Bake at 350 F degrees for about 50 minutes. You can dust it with powdered sugar when done, if desired. Serve this healthy dessert with natural ice cream or whipped cream.

Apple Crisp

Preheat your oven to 375 F degrees.
Grease an 8 x 8 cake pan (I like glass)

Mix together:
4 cups sliced apples (Granny Smith or other tart kinds are best)
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: About a half cup of ground walnuts
Optional sweetener: Toss apples together in a bowl with about 1/4 cup natural maple syrup or honey

Put the mixture into the greased pan.

In a bowl, mix together until crumbly:
½ cup flour
1 ½ cups oats
¾ cup packed brown sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1 tsp cinnamon
½ cup melted butter, margarine, or substitute
1 ½ Tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: add in ¼ cup coconut

Crumble the topping over the apple mixture which is in your pan. Bake it in a pre-heated oven for about 30 minutes at 375 F degrees, or until the topping has browned. Apples should be soft but not soggy.

This is especially good served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.

We hope you and your family has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

For all of your in-home care needs in South Carolina, contact Nightingale’s Nursing today!