Whether they celebrate Christmas or another holiday during this time of year, your loved one in an assisted living residence wants to celebrate just like everyone else. The concept of “home” plays a large part in the holiday season, and it may be difficult for some who live away from home to celebrate in meaningful ways. Here are some tips to help your loved ones to have a wonderful holiday season, no matter where they live.
Christmas in Assisted Living
1. Decorate for the Season: Every room is made more festive and warm with a string of white sparkling lights, and a small decorated tree can beautifully deliver the spirit of the season. Just because someone lives in an assisted living residence does not negate the desire to celebrate – and you can help your loved one to decorate their apartment to celebrate Christmas. Simple items such as garland, mistletoe, or stockings can significantly brighten a room and make your loved one feel included in the holiday.
2. Play Nostalgic Music: It is difficult for people of any age when to be depressed when their favorite Christmas music is being played. Many seniors have their own favorites you can arrange on a playlist – or simply set up their computer or another device to a Christmas music station. Music elevates mood and eases anxiety, and can make the season bright.
3. Arrange a Sing-Along: What is better than playing music? Singing it! If your loved one is in assisted living and loves to sing, ask them to get a few friends together and have a sing-along! Print out some lyrics if you like, or simply stick to other old classics. If they feel especially adventurous, seniors can go caroling from door to door and bring joy to the shut-in residents.
4. Go Holiday Shopping: While their mobility and financial ability may have changed, many seniors still would like to shop for gifts for their loved ones. Arranging a shopping excursion for those residents who are able can be a fun activity and help them to do something they love. Assisted living residence staff can also work to bring in local artisans and vendors and set up a holiday shopping village for the seniors.
5. Set Up Christmas Arts and Crafts: Many senior citizens enjoy arts and crafts, and the holidays are a great time to arrange classes for holiday-themed projects. Have a crafty person teach a class on wreath making, ornament creating, or cookie baking – not only will they love creating something festive, but they can also use what they make as gifts for friends and family.
6. Suggest a Movie Night: There are some wonderful classic TV movies – such as It’s a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street or White Christmas – that seniors will love to enjoy once again. Arranging a movie night, complete with hot cocoa and candy canes (or healthy snacks), is a great activity to share all of their holiday sentiments with fellow residents.
Living in an assisted living facility doesn’t negate a love for the holidays or the need for everybody to be a part of the Christmas season. If your senior loved one is in an assisted living residence or memory care center, there are many ways to help them celebrate this year. Be sure to check with the staff to see if there are any holiday events your family member can attend, and help them to get there.
A Banyan Residence is a memory care and assisted living facility located in Venice, Florida.
