The holidays are the most wonderful times of the year when friends and family members come together to share hearty meals, enjoy beautiful decorations and simply be together. Unfortunately, seniors in assisted living may miss out on many of the activities around this time of year due to decreased mobility or their physical distance from their loved ones. The holidays season can have a bit of a dark side, too—bringing on depression and feelings of sadness which can hit seniors particularly hard. Here are some ways to get involved and help your favorite senior have an enjoyable holiday season.
There are many reasons seniors decide to stay put for the holidays, but most often they want the assurance that they'll receive the correct level of care and necessary medications. Assisted living facilities often have fun activities planned throughout the holidays, making it an appealing prospect to hang out close to home.
Home for the Holidays
If possible, see about bringing your family member home for the holidays, even if it's for a day trip. There are many activities that they would enjoy: baking holiday cookies with grandchildren, taking a ride through a local light display or sharing favorite memories while putting up the Christmas tree. If they live too far away to bring them to your home for the day, consider finding a nearby activity that would suit their level of mobility that the whole family would enjoy. Be sure to provide your senior with a quiet place to rest if needed, as a lot of children or family can be overwhelming if they're not accustomed to the noise.
Deck the Halls
Between 50 - 80 percent of seniors stay in assisted living during the holidays, so making their space merry and bright is a must! Depending on the area that they have available, you may be able to place a small pre-lit tree or simply hang some lovely decorations on the walls. Even bringing a Santa hat or a bright new sweater can help lift the spirits of your favorite senior. The vast majority (95%) of memory care patients will be staying in their assisted living facility for the holidays, too. Simply having the opportunity to see their loved ones brings light to their days and gives them a treasured memory that will last throughout the year.
Plan a Visit
If your senior isn't able to get out, look for crafts or activities that you can bring to them! Depending on their abilities, they may enjoy card games or board games, creating Christmas or Hanukah ornaments or even artistic elements such as a painting or needlepoint. Be sure you check with your senior before coming to ensure that the timing of your visit doesn't bump up against any required care activities and works with their schedule. Assisted living facilities often have structured schedules to ensure that everyone receives the care that they need on a daily basis.
Staying Safe
If you do take your senior out for the holidays, keep their safety top of mind. Everything from stairs to an uneven carpet can present a falling hazard for a senior, especially in a space that may not be as familiar to them as their assisted living facility. Bathrooms are particularly hazardous, so you'll want to be sure you keep their needs in mind as you're planning an offsite trip. Consider investing in some basic home safety supplies to help them feel more comfortable. Touch base with your care provider to see if there are any specific recommendations before making a trip. It may prove easier (and safer!) for your senior for you to plan a visit to them at their assisted living facility.
Adopt a Senior
Whether you have a loved one staying at a local assisted living facility of not, why not adopt a senior for the season? Check with local nursing homes or assisted living facilities to get the names of some people who rarely have friends or family drop in. You could pull together a quick caroling trip, make cards beforehand to bring to brighten someone's day or just drop by for a visit and a chat.
No matter how you help your senior enjoy the holiday season, you can be sure that they will appreciate the extra effort. Many people in assisted living don't want to be a bother to adult children, so they may not ask for special favors or visits. When you are proactive and take the time to plan something and include them, it makes the season even brighter for your loved ones. Your visit doesn't have to be expensive—the gift of your presence is the most precious one of all.
