If you’ve ever curled up under a soft blanket, sipped a warm cup of tea, or shared a laugh with a loved one by candlelight, you’ve experienced hygge. Pronounced “hoo-gah,” this Danish concept, popularized by The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking, is all about cultivating coziness, comfort, and connection in everyday life.
At Home Instead, we believe these ideals shouldn’t be reserved for fleeting moments—they should be woven into the fabric of home life, especially for aging adults and their families. Our goal? To create an environment where seniors can enjoy the simple pleasures of home without the stress of caregiving responsibilities.
What Is Hygge and Why Does It Matter?
Meik Wiking, CEO of the Happiness Research Institute, describes hygge as “a feeling of home.” It’s about warmth, well-being, and finding joy in the present moment. While the Danish use candles, soft lighting, and warm drinks to create a cozy atmosphere, hygge is more than aesthetics—it’s a mindset.
For seniors and their families, hygge can be:
- Feeling safe and secure in a familiar home environment.
- Enjoying quality time with loved ones instead of being preoccupied with caregiving tasks.
- Creating moments of joy and relaxation without stress or overwhelm.
- Savoring small comforts like a favorite chair, a cherished book, or a homemade meal.
The Challenge: Caregiving and the Loss of Cozy Moments
For many families, providing care for an aging loved one is an act of love. But as responsibilities pile up—doctor’s appointments, medication management, meal prep, and more—the everyday hygge moments can fade. Instead of cozy dinners, there’s exhaustion. Instead of laughter, there’s stress.
Caregivers often struggle with:
- Constant worry about their loved one’s well-being.
- The emotional toll of balancing caregiving, work, and personal life.
- Guilt about feeling overwhelmed or needing a break.
This is where Home Instead comes in—helping families reclaim hygge in their homes.
How Home Instead Brings Hygge Into Your Home
At Home Instead, we invite you to take a page from Meik Wiking’s book and embrace home's comfort, joy, and warmth—without the burden of full-time caregiving. Here’s how we help:
1. Creating a Stress-Free, Cozy Environment
Home Instead, caregivers provide compassionate support so that seniors can remain in the comfort of their own homes. From light housekeeping and meal preparation to companionship and personal care, we take care of the essentials—so families can focus on creating meaningful moments together.
Hygge Tip: Set aside time for slow, simple activities like reading together, baking a favorite recipe, or reminiscing over photo albums.
2. Encouraging Meaningful Connections
Loneliness is one of seniors' biggest challenges, but hygge is all about togetherness. Our caregivers provide physical support and emotional companionship—sharing conversations, playing games, or just being there to listen.
Hygge Tip: Make space for storytelling. Whether recalling family traditions or sharing life lessons, these conversations build connection and warmth.
3. Helping Families Put Their Feet Up
If you’re a 24/7 caregiver, when was the last time you truly relaxed? Hiring Home Instead means taking a deep breath, knowing your loved one is in caring hands. Whether it’s a few hours of respite care or full-time assistance, we give families the freedom to step back and enjoy life again.
Hygge Tip: Schedule regular self-care time—light a candle, sip a warm drink, or walk. A well-rested caregiver brings more joy to their loved one’s life.
4. Supporting Rituals That Bring Comfort
Hygge thrives on small rituals that bring peace and stability—morning coffee in a favorite mug, watching the sunset, or lighting a candle in the evening. Our caregivers help maintain these rituals, ensuring seniors continue to enjoy life’s little comforts.
Hygge Tip: Create a cozy corner at home with soft lighting, warm blankets, and familiar scents—an inviting, relaxing space.
Embrace Hygge, Embrace Home Instead
Aging shouldn’t mean sacrificing life’s simple pleasures. With Home Instead, seniors and their families can continue to enjoy the warmth and coziness of home without the stress of caregiving.
So put your feet up, pour a cup of tea, and embrace the beauty of hygge. We’ll take care of the rest.
Want to learn how Home Instead can support your family’s caregiving needs? Contact us today for a free consultation and enjoy your home life without worries.
