Celebrating the Holidays with Seniors in Assisted Living

Holidays in assisted living communities can still be fun, festive, and meaningful even if they involve creating new traditions. Older adults in assisted living communities feel loved and included in the festivities when you find ways to bring the holiday spirit to them. After all, spending quality time with the people you care about is what’s most important!

Below are tips for celebrating Thanksgiving in a way that is enjoyable for the whole family.

Bring the Holidays To the Community

You can bring the festivities and family traditions to your family member by decorating their residence with Thanksgiving garlands or gourds to enhance the holiday atmosphere.

If coming to the community is not possible, arrange a video chat so they can have virtual visitors. If you send a care package in advance, they can go through it while on camera. Include letters, photos, flowers, homemade treats, and anything else that shows them you care.

Plan Activities Everyone Can Enjoy

If you can bring your family member home for a visit, plan some holiday activities that entertain the whole family. Low-key activities, such as watching football or a movie, are an easy way to bring the family together. Don’t feel like you need to plan every second of their visit. They will probably be happy to just relax and enjoy time with family.

Thanksgiving with Dementia

If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other cognitive impairments, it may be disorienting to take them out of a familiar environment. Chat with a staff member who knows them well to decide what would work best.

If your relative does not seem engaged with the world, they will still enjoy spending time with you and your family. Turn your visit into a festive occasion that is likely to bring them joy. This would be the perfect time to reminisce over old photos, listen to music, or look at decorations together.

 

Dellwood Gardens provides safe, comfortable, and convenient living options for seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. For more information about our memory care community, contact us today on our website or by sending our Marketing Director, Lindsay Schmidt, an email at lschmidt@dellwoodgardens.com or (651) 444-5716.

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