The holidays bring a sense of comfort and connection to families worldwide. Even when your senior family member has made their home in a senior living community, they still deserve to join in on the annual traditions and celebrations.
Join our team at Americare Senior Living as we explore the many creative ways you can work together to include your senior loved ones in the joys and activities of the holiday season.
Understand How the Holidays Change for Seniors
During the holidays, everyone experiences the season in their own unique and personal way. For many seniors, however, this time of year can feel especially lonely. Whether your loved one views the holidays positively or negatively, you can help lift their spirits by including them in the season’s cherished traditions.
How To Adapt Christmas Activities for Seniors
With a few thoughtful adjustments, your loved one can participate in and share every special moment at family gatherings and celebrations. The effort may be small, but the memories you’ll create will last a lifetime. Active participation in holidays is a great way to promote overall wellness for your loved one.
Learn some essential ways for seniors to get involved in the family’s activities for the upcoming season.
Decorating Their Space for the Holidays
At the start of the holiday season each year, most people begin to celebrate by setting up decorations around their homes. When your loved one has made their home in a senior living community, help them decorate their space to celebrate the occasion together. Spend time with them to determine what decoration they want adorning their space.
Popular decorations include wreaths, mantel garland, stockings, and a Christmas tree. Be mindful of senior safety when decorating together. Proper setup can help avoid falls or similar injuries.
Family Visits in Your Loved One’s Community
Fewer things lift the mood and strengthen family connections more than in-person visits. Try to ramp up the number of visits during the holidays. These trips offer the younger generation the chance to create lasting memories with their grandparents or great-grandparents.
Take Your Loved One To Your Family
Bring your loved one along to family gatherings or local celebrations. These events provide a significant change of pace for the entire family, and no one should ever be left out. Before planning an outing, check in with your loved one’s community and care team to make sure the visit is safe and comfortable.
Sharing Holiday Meals
Special dishes and family recipes are typically reserved for special occasions, like holidays, birthdays, or family reunions. When preparing these festive foods, consider bringing a portion to your senior family members or those who may have difficulty cooking. Sharing these special meals not only helps maintain family traditions but also provides an opportunity to spend quality time together, engaging in conversations, and creating connections within their community.
Remember to follow any guidelines or restrictions to promote your loved one’s healthy eating habits.
Giving Holiday Gifts
Another core tradition is the exchange of holiday gifts. Find or create a gift that’s special to your loved one. Once the gift is wrapped and ready to go, take a trip to your loved one to give the present in person. A good face-to-face interaction and the effort of making the trip can leave a great impression on your senior family members.
How To Incorporate Community Activities During the Holidays
If you choose to visit your loved one’s living community for the holidays, look into what events or activities the community is hosting. These are great opportunities for your loved one to build stronger connections with their neighbors.
Here are suggestions on how to incorporate the community’s holiday festivities with your standard traditions:
- Review the calendar of events for your loved one’s community.
- Offer encouragement if they show signs of hesitation or worry.
- Provide your loved one with reminders for the upcoming holiday festivities.
- Keep all family members informed about these community events.
- Attend your loved one’s events in person to show encouragement and support.
Create New Christmas Traditions
As your loved one settles into their senior living community, it’s the perfect time to start new traditions together. Don’t be afraid to try something new this holiday season to add a touch of festive spirit to your annual traditions.
Discover exciting yet peaceful additions to add to your festivities this year below.
1. Crafts for Seniors’ Christmas
One way to engage your senior family members in seasonal activities is with festive arts and crafts. Swing by a local crafts store and get supplies for fun crafts for seniors to make with their grandchildren or great-grandchildren. These crafts are also a great brain workout to keep the mind sharp while having a blast with the family.
2. Find a New Festive Recipe
Perhaps you and your family want to add something new to the menu this year. Consult with your senior family member and see if they would like to try a new food this season. Find a new appetizer spread, meat, or dessert to try out that pairs well with the iconic flavors commonly found at your holiday dinner table.
3. Go on a Neighborhood Light Tour
A low-risk way to get your loved one out of the house is to take them on a drive to view Christmas lights. Find a neighborhood filled with festive lighting and take a slow evening drive to enjoy the jolly displays. If there’s one nearby, check if there are any light displays paired with music.
Several communities around our senior living communities offer dazzling holiday displays. Some highlights of each area include:
- Lighting Ceremony at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO
- WonderLight’s Christmas in St. Louis, MO
- Holiday Lighting Weekend at Graceland in Memphis, TN
- A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, TN
These trips are also a great excuse to promote good physical health as an alternative to staying indoors.
4. Take a New Family Photo
Nothing captures a moment quite like a family photo. Each year, gather everyone together and take a group photo to mark the end of the year. Establishing this tradition can create further connections between people and serve as a physical reminder of the good memories the previous year brought.
Plan Your Holiday Visit Ahead of Time
Make plans and reservations for your loved one’s holiday festivities well in advance. Having a plan and promoting good time management can help relieve stress and stay organized even during this busy time of year. Practice flexibility and inclusivity when planning your holiday traditions to help alleviate any potential tension.
If your loved one’s needs are changing, it’s best to plan early—before the weather turns cold. To provide your loved one with the care and nurturing they need, your best choice is to find a senior living community.
Enrich Holiday Senior Living for Your Loved One at Americare Senior Living
Give your loved one the comfort, connection, and compassionate care they deserve with Americare Senior Living. We offer a variety of senior living options tailored to different needs, including:
Contact us or find your nearest Americare Senior Living community online to learn more about our services and caring communities.