How to Celebrate the Holidays in Assisted Living

The holiday season is always a time for family to get together, feast, and make memories. It is a time when family traditions are relived while everyone enjoys the warmth and company of the important people in their lives.  Seniors in assisted living are no exception and should always be a part of every celebration. Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year, and all other important merrymaking should always bring in the holiday cheer while in an assisted living facility. Fortunately, regardless of the distance, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the holidays. Embrace the spirit of the holiday season and create beautiful memories!

Creative Ways to Celebrate the Holidays in Assisted Living

Being in a new place with new people can be overwhelming for senior adults. The holiday season is a time for seniors to keep traditions and make new memories. But before everything else, careful planning will make the celebration successful. Ask the seniors for their suggestions and ideas on how they would like to celebrate the holidays. This would ensure their interests and preferences are considered and let them feel valued and important. Also, encouraging their input would give the celebration a more personalized touch.

Involve everyone from the planning to the implementing stage. This will allow every family member to contribute their time, energy, and effort while strengthening the bond. Here are some ideas you can incorporate in your holiday celebrations to make them more joyful and meaningful.

What better way to celebrate the holidays than by preparing family recipes to bring everyone back to the good old days? It would be a great conversation starter, sharing stories with younger generations and inspiring them to keep the tradition.

• Assisted living facilities can also organize culinary celebrations, allowing residents to try different holiday cuisines from around the globe. To make it more fun, make this cooking display a contest showcasing residents’ culinary prowess.
• Assisted living management can also try an entertainment night dedicated to holiday-themed music and movies. Set up the entertainment or public hall into a cozy place to spend time with fellow residents, their families, and carers. Families can also do a virtual movie night even if they are not physically together. There are different ways to access different movies for everyone to enjoy and talk about later.
• Organize friendly competitions for the best holiday decorations, trivia, puzzles, art contests, singing, or dancing. Or why not do all of the above to allow interested seniors to showcase what they love to do?
• Encourage volunteerism among senior residents. Check organizations and institutions that need your time or resources. Giving back to the community is a meaningful way to celebrate the holidays.
• Seniors with limited physical capability can start wrapping gifts. Prepare beautiful bows, boxes of different sizes and shapes, and cards. Give them something that will keep them occupied while still feeling the spirit of loving and giving.

These suggestions may seem basic and are often observed in most gatherings, but through creativity, they can be personalized according to tradition, preference, and budget.

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