iStock/Tetiana Soares

Families often gather at grandma and grandpa’s house or senior living center for Christmas dinner and to watch little ones open gifts. Not this year. With their increased risk of complications from COVID-19, older adults have good reason not to host guests.

But even when families are physically distant, they need to connect, said nurse practitioner Teresa Tawil, who cares for patients in assisted living and long-term care facilities and is a member of St. Raphael in Crystal. Creativity this year is worth the effort, she said.

Family members could sing carols outside their loved ones’ homes, perhaps through an open window or using their cell phones, Tawil said. She sings by telephone to her mother, who has dementia, and was at one point was in assisted living, but now lives with Tawil’s brother and his wife in Mound.

“Christmas carols do bring people together,” said Tawil, a member and president emeritus of the Curatio apostolate, which helps health care professionals integrate faith with their work.

Tawil also prays the rosary during calls — saying and singing some of the words. “I interject some music (such as “Ave Maria”) to make it interesting. And when I’m announcing the mysteries, I’ll (add) a little narrative to … make it come alive.”

She said her mother remembers more words to carols and prayers than she does while trying to hold a conversation. “So, it’s a perfect opportunity to help people with dementia.”

Sending a card is good, too, Tawil said, “and more than one is OK.” Holding a card involves a tactile sense and builds a memory, a bond to the soul, she said. Add a photo or two and an update on family members and friends. “We’re trying to build … memories and bonds, and … it’s about relationships.”